FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Police have released the name of a man murdered on New Year’s Day at a Ft. Lauderdale halfway house.

Police were sent to the ‘Third Step’ facility at 907 NW 4th Street Tuesday afternoon where they found the body of 46-year old Christopher Valli who had been shot to death.

“I heard a pop, but I didn’t think anything of it because people were always dropping things upstairs,” said Bill Dorion, a friend of Valli.

When he went upstairs he learned his friend was dead.

“His loss is really shaking me up. He was the one person I became friends with. We bonded quickly.”

Dorion described Valli as a former combat Marine veteran who was liked by everyone.

“He doesn’t make enemies. He’s easy going. I can’t see anyone hurting him.”

“I think it’s terrible. He was trying to get help. He was just a very nice man,” said Kathy Fisher who is married to Dorion.

Tuesday afternoon Ft. Lauderdale police questioned a resident that had spent part of the day with the victim.

There have been no arrests.