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Miami Gardens Man Shot, Killed In Front Of Children

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A Miami Gardens man who family members described as a hard-working father was shot to death in front of girlfriend's children.

Witnesses said the man, who family members identified as 40-year old James Hall, had just pulled into the driveway of his home at NW 175th Terrace and NW 17th Avenue when he was shot.

CLICK HERE To Watch Natalia Zea's Report

Family members said Hall was a hard working man who recently turned his life around.

Hall's girlfriend, Ashley Waldon, said he had just returned from picking up the her children, one 14-years old – the other 12, from their grandmother's when he was gunned down.

"To just ambush somebody like that with kids, he wasn't the best but he didn't deserve to die like that," said Waldon. "Why did he have to do him like that in front of my kids, they killed him in front of my kids. They are going to pay for this, I promise to God they are going to pay for this."

CBS4's Natalia Zea spoke with the 14 year old boy, who says 4 men surrounded the car while he and his brother were inside. He says one man shot the windshield with a shotgun, shattering it. He looked inside and saw the 12 year old in the front. That's when the 14 year old says that gunman took off running.

A witness on scene said she saw a dark blue pickup truck speed away from the scene shortly after the shots were fired.

Waldon said she was home with her and Hall's baby just before midnight when she she heard four to six gunshots.

"When I heard the gunshots, I put my baby on the floor. I got outside, he was laying there in the grass with the biggest hole in his head," said Waldon.

Hall's family said they don't know who or why someone would want to do something like this.

"He was a good man, a hard working man, family guy, he wasn't no troubled person, he didn't bother anybody, all he wanted to do was have fun and be with his kids," said Hall's cousin Pamela Myers.

"I feel broken, I feel disappointed, I feel betrayed, I feel alone," said Waldon. "I don't have no faith right now. I'm lost."

The boys' grandmother, Eleanor Wilson is furious her grandsons were so close to this violence.

"The 12 year old is real upset, real upset. The other one is probably holding it in...they shouldn't have to see this. They shouldn't have to live like this."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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