MONROE, N.C. — Monroe police are investigating the city's first murder of the year after a young father was gunned down.
Balloons, flowers and cards are left on Green Street in the spot where Steven Smith was shot and killed. Monroe police said the 28-year-old was shot multiple times early Saturday morning. Investigators do not know who pulled the trigger.
"It's early on. It's hard to find information. It was late at night so there weren't many people around so we're just trying to talk to as many people as we can to get to the bottom of this to find justice for this young man," said Pete Hovanec, a spokesman for the Monroe Police Department.
Smith's sister, Shameka Burns, rushed to the hospital on her birthday to see him, but it was too late.
IMAGES: Family mourns after young father killed in Monroe
"[It was] something I never thought I'd do… something you can't even put in words," she said.
Smith is described as loving, caring and giving. He was a father of four with one on the way.
"His kids aren't old enough to understand. Now we have to explain to them where their daddy's at," said Ebony Doster, Smith's ex-girlfriend.
Investigators continued to canvass the scene Monday, still looking for clues and witnesses. Meanwhile, Steven's family members and friends began planning his funeral. They're praying police find the person who took his life.
"Get them off the street. If they do it once, they'll do it again," Burns said.
Monroe police continue to investigate. They do not have any suspects at this time. Anyone with information is urged to call the Monroe Police Department or Union County Crimestoppers.
Smith's family has planned a candlelight vigil for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at his house at 514 Maurice Street in Monroe. Smith's funeral is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Marshville.