MELBOURNE, Fla. – A gas-powered scooter operator was found shot to death early Tuesday in Melbourne, prompting a homicide investigation, police said.
The fatal shooting happened around 12:25 a.m. near Grant and Ryoland streets.
Melbourne police said officers patrolling the area discovered the victim, 28-year-old Kyeon Rashad Roberson, who appeared to have crashed his scooter. At the same time, 911 callers reported shots fired in the area, police said.
When the officers checked the victim, they discovered he had been shot, according to police.
First responders provided aid, but Roberson had already died, police said.
Roberson’s aunt, Amy Pennant, told News 6′s James Sparvero she believed her nephew was targeted by a group of men with guns.
“It was five guys that came out from behind houses and bushes, and he was on his scooter and they just start shooting at him,” Pennant said.
She said she didn’t know why someone would want to kill her nephew.
Pennant said Roberson meant everything to her family.
“He was a joy to have when he was around,” she said. “He kept everybody laughing, kept you on your toes. He wasn’t perfect, but he was a very good, kind-hearted person.”
A search of the area failed to locate the suspected shooter.
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Melbourne police at 321-608-6731 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.