Father of 7 shot, killed in Opa-locka, family members say

Victim's daughter, 1-year-old grandson witness shooting

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. ā€“ A man was shot and killed early Wednesday at his business in Opa-locka, family members told Local 10 News.

Police confirmed that a shooting was reported at 2:09 a.m. at 2155 Opa-LockaĀ Blvd.

Police said a man was found dead inside a vehicle. A woman and a 1-year-old child were also inside the vehicle, but they were unharmed, authorities said.

The victim was identified by family as Jose Gonzalez Jr., a 47-year-old father of seven.Ā Ā 

"They called us at the house (and said) there was a shooting and my son was -- he was the one that got hit," Gonzalez's father, Jose Gonzalez Sr., said.Ā 

Relatives said the victim ran a shop in Opa-locka, installing sound systems in cars.

"He's always working nonstop, and his passion, what he loves to do is working on cars and sound," Gonzalez Jr.'s sister, Geeleen Gonzalez, said.

Investigators said Gonzalez Jr., his daughter, Gabrielle Gonzalez, 20, and his 1-year-old grandson were inside aĀ car outside of his business when someoneĀ walked up to them.

Police said Gonzalez Jr. spoke to the personĀ who then left, before a second person came by, spoke to Gonzalez Jr.Ā as well, and then also left.

Police said both people returned to the vehicle and opened fire, killing Gonzalez Jr.

The shooting has leftĀ his family stunnedĀ and heartbroken.

"You took away, not only a father, you took away a son, a brother, an uncle, a hardworking man that loved his family and did everything for his family no matter what," GeeleenĀ Gonzalez said.Ā 

A motive for the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.Ā 

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