JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three days after two men were shot to death outside an apartment complex in Mandarin, one of the victim's brothers talked to Channel 4 about the loss.
Jacksonville police continue to investigate the slayings, which took place Halloween night in the 4000 block of Sunbeam Road.
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Police said 29-year-old Ceferino H. Valle and 22-year-old Jose Rodriguez -- both residents of Leigh Meadows Apartments -- were in a group of people outside one of the units about 10:20 p.m. when gunfire broke out.
On Monday, Rodriguez's older brother, Yani Tabora, said he was on his way to make arrangements to bury his younger sibling.
"I just can tell you he's really nice. He's a good boy -- 22 years old," Tabora said.
Investigators said Tabora's brother and Valle were shot and killed outside a building in the apartment complex after a heated discussion about money.
"They were outside of a building when they were approached by some males. There was some sort of discussion involving money. During the discussion, gunshots rang out. Those two men were struck by gunfire and ultimately deceased," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Sgt. T.K. Waters.
One of the victims died at the scene. The second was transported to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have not yet called the fatal shootings the result of an armed robbery because they said they are still investigating. However, Tabora said he thinks his brother and the other victim were targeted and robbed because they're Hispanic.
"We are good people, just come to this beautiful country doing something good, not to hurt people. So please stop with that kind of stuff. They hurt us, family and everybody, you know," Tabora said.
He said his brother moved to Jacksonville from Honduras one month ago and was killed before he could achieve what he came here for -- a better life and a piece of the American dream.
"Nice home, nice car, enjoy his life and love his family, that's only what he wanted," Tabora said.
Anyone with any information about the shootings is asked to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
