Miami Gardens Police are investigating their first homicide of the year after a man was killed after returning home from a New Year’s Eve celebration early Tuesday morning.

Family members said Robert L. Brothers, 41, made it back to his Miami Gardens home safely but was then lured outside by a woman he knew when he was shot. He was found dead a few blocks away from his home.

“My husband saw him laid out and I could not watch,” said Dianne Brothers, the victim’s mother. “I just saw him from a distance with his legs crossed and arms folded. Right now it’s hard for us to deal with it, but I am sure we will make a way.”

Brothers said her son was the father of nine children.

“My baby’s father was kindhearted,” Nona Brown said, “he was not a violent person so I just couldn’t believe someone would shoot him dead like that.”

Police have not released a description of the person who shot Brothers. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Miami Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.