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Police Searching For Tire Shop Shooter

KENDALL (CBS4) - A well-liked Kendall businessman has died from a gunshot wound to the head he received just after opening his auto repair shop Thursday morning.

Forty six year-old Paul Barrow died later on Thursday, according to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's website. A family friend also told CBS4 News that Barrow had died. A message posted on Facebook by his daughter Stephani said, "RIP to the best Daddy in the world." Police would not confirm the death, but said early-on that the popular businessman would probably not survive the grave head wound he suffered.

Barrow was found by a customer who entered the shop about 7:30 Thursday morning and was air-rescued to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Long-time employee Rigo Company told CBS4 News Friday that he arrived moments after the customer discovered Barrow lying wounded on the floor of the shop.

"There was nobody here but him, on the floor, bleeding, when we got here," said Company, an employee of 16 years. "What I can say about him is he's the greatest guy I've ever met. He didn't deserve to go like this."

Miami-Dade police on Friday said they had still not determined a motive for the killing.

"We are still actively seeking the public's help with this investigation," said Det. Robert Williams, a department spokesperson. Police say multiple motives, including a possible robbery attempt, are being considered.

Barrow's business, Devonaire Service and Tire, at Southwest 122nd Avenue and 112th Street has served a loyal clientele for years.

"It's a shock for this community," said Linda Bryan, a long-time customer who drove into the parking lot of the closed business Friday. "Everybody knew him. We just cannot imagine what happened."

The business has numerous security cameras but police will not say what, if anything, the cameras recorded.

Aaron Holloway, owner of a physical therapy practice next to Barrow's shop, was visibly shaken when informed that his friend and neighbor had died.

"Oh, no, no," Holloway said, putting his head in his hands. "It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to take his life."

Friends and customers have described Barrow as kind and generous, often extending credit to customers who were short on cash, or giving them services outright.

"Just the other day, my friend had a flat tire and he fixed it for free," said Bryan. "That was the last time I saw him."

Company, Barrow's employee, said he was aware of no simmering grudges against the man.

"I know of no disputes," Company said. "This guy was liked by everybody. We had no problems with customers in the shop. Everybody knew everybody by their first name."

Barrow is survived by his widow, Audree, a daughter and two stepdaughters.

Audree Barrow, a real estate agent, posted a message on her Facebook page saying, "I just don't have the words to express the gratitude and sadness I feel. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. The girls and I are survivors and somehow with the love around us we will get through this. Paul will be missed by so many,"

Police ask anyone with information about the fatal shooting to call Crimestoppers at 305-471-TIPS(8477).

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