He was shot multiple times in the chest just blocks away from where he lived.

"He's a very special young man, and we are going to miss him," says former co-worker Evelyn Hancock.

His friends say Gaines had just been laid off from DPW because a contract ran out. He was the 7th person killed in the city's 5th district in just 8 days.

"I don't know what happened, but I know I had just seen him and he was cheerful, and he had high hopes of getting another job," said another co-worker Rudolph Jones.

It was just before 7 p.m. The sun was still out, and according to police, numerous residents and children were in the street when someone opened fire on Gaines as he walked home, shooting him multiple times.

After so many murders in one area in just days, and with officers from around the city working double shifts, police were out in force.

"It is frustrating when you get that type of brazen act of violence that occurs with officers a block away," said Comdr. Lamar Green of the MPD.

A friend of Brandon Gaines' family who didn't want to show her face on camera spoke on their behalf saying, "The family is hurt. It's a struggle right now."

Gaines was the father of two small children. Family and friends want all to know he's more than the latest statistic in an ongoing tide of violence.

"A lot of families have gone through this already and people still haven't woke up," said the family friend.

There is a crime camera and dozens of police officers, pulled from across the city, at a corner just feet away from where Gaines was gunned down in an effort to stop the violence.

Police say there was plenty of people out last night and they believe somebody here knows something. They are on the look out for a burgundy colored car seen leaving the scene. There is a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer, and anyone with any information is asked to call the police at 1-888-919-CRIME.

Email To A Friend