A father is dead and his four-year-old son injured following a shooting outside a housing complex in New Jersey, investigators and neighbors said Saturday.
Francis Medina was reportedly walking home with his two young sons when eyewitnesses said a gunman hopped out of a car around 2 p.m. and fired at least a dozen rounds at the complex near Mill Street in Belleville.
The 37-year-old father was struck by the barrage of gunfire, as well as his youngest son, who was struck in the leg. His six-year-old brother was unharmed.
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WATCH HEREA neighbor who heard the shots pierce the otherwise quiet afternoon sprinted over to the kids and helped them inside, covering their eyes to they wouldn't see their father in pain. Medina pleading with his final words, "my sons, my sons, be careful my sons," according to the neighbor.
The father died at a nearby hospital.
Over in Paterson, police were spotted surrounding an abandoned black Chevy Equinox -- the same car eyewitnesses said the gunman hopped out of before firing. Officials did not immediately confirm if the car was linked to the murder investigation.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office, which is leading the investigation with assistance from Belleville Police, is believed to be searching for the gunman and a getaway driver. No further information on any potential suspect has been released.
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"That is sad, especially coming towards the holiday for this stuff to happen. I just feel sorry for the family," one neighbor said.
