A 50-year-old man who was shot and killed in a Hollywood home he had been visiting was remembered as a committed substance abuse counselor and a fun-loving sports and live music fan.
David Teitelbaum, of Pembroke Pines, was a guest in the home of James Anthony Welker in the 2600 block of Grant Street shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday when the shooting happened, police said.
Teitelbaum died from his injuries early Monday at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.
Investigators have identified Welker as the gunman, but no charges have been filed. Police on Tuesday said the case remained under investigation. There were other people in the home at the time of the shooting, but police would not say how many or who they were.
Welker, 39, could not be reached for comment despite a message left with a relative. The relative said Teitelbaum was a close friend of Welker’s, adding that Welker was not coping well after the shooting.
According to Florida Department of Health records, Teitelbaum was a licensed mental health counselor who had practiced in the state for over 20 years. He had a private practice in Pembroke Pines.
Jose Rada, executive director of the Broward-Dade Safety Council, said Teitelbaum was one of 20 providers to whom his nonprofit referred alcohol and substance abuse clients. The nonprofit works with court-ordered DUI defendants required to seek treatment.
An email from Teitelbaum sent Oct. 30 illustrated his dedication, Rada said.
“I do this because I care about the community’s safety,” Teitelbaum said in the email. “As you know, I’m here for the cause, making streets safer.”
Teitelbaum was already on board with the nonprofit when Rada stepped in as executive director eight years ago. Clients he worked with are being notified of his death, Rada said.
“We’re still in shock that it actually was him,” he said.
Al Barry, a friend of Teitelbaum’s for about 25 years, was similarly stunned: “I’ve known him for a long time and it came as a shock to wake up and hear he was gone,” he said.
In August, Barry invited Teitelbaum as a guest speaker at his singles’ lifestyle expo, a trade show with speed dating, seminars and a dance. He doled out relationship advice, Barry said.
He described Teitelbaum as a sports fan who enjoyed tennis and was a good father.
“He was a good guy. Like everybody else, he had his ups and downs, perfection and imperfections,” he said. “He was a fun-loving guy.”
Another friend, Michael Washington, said he met Teitelbaum a few years ago at a Pembroke Pines bar where Washington’s band, Stark Naked, played. He recalled Teitelbaum’s generosity when the band lost its gig at the bar — he treated Washington to dinner and kept him motivated, he said.
Teitelbaum had been a drummer when he was younger, Washington said, and was a supporter of local bands and musicians.
“Once in a while we let him sit at the drums, especially when he brought his wife and kids, to show off some,” Washington said.
On the Facebook page of a young man named Corey, who described himself as Teitelbaum’s son, he wrote: “Heaven gained one hell of a guy this morning. I hope my dad can get the party started up in heaven! I pray that I can bring the same joy to people as he did and I will forever live through him.”
Staff researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report.
epesantes@tribune.com or 954-356-4543 or Twitter @epesantes
