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Father Killed, Son Injured In Miami Gardens Shooting

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A 12-year-old boy is recovering after he was injured in a shooting in Miami Gardens that took the life of his father.

It happened Monday night at 193rd Street and NW 39th Court.

Family members said Spencer Robinson, 35, was in front of his sister Helena's home with his son, Sylvester, when they were shot. Helena Robinson ran inside the home to get help.

"My brother came in yelling, 'Help me, help me!' He fell on the ground, he was not moving, I ran out the door and called 911," said Helena Robinson.

Neighbors said they heard a number of shots being fired.

"First it sounded like a firecracker, but then it was bullets ringing out like war," said witness Mike Kirkland. "You hear that in your neighborhood and you know it's not Fourth of July, so something's going on. And next thing you know you hear the sirens. And after a few minutes later, police come and you start hearing the ambulance."

Robinson died on his way to the hospital. A police source told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that he was struck in the chest by several bullets.

Sylvester, who was shot in the foot, was taken to a hospital. Family members said he doesn't live at the home where the attack took place, but was spending the summer with his father.

"We are grieving, we are hurting, I haven't been able to sleep yet, I can't get the images out of my head," said Helena Robinson.

Nearly a dozen bullet holes pock marked the front of the blue home where Helena Robinson has lived with her brother for more than 40 years.

"I can't look at my house, I can't do it, there is blood everywhere, I just can't, I feel alienated from my own house," said Helena Robinson.

Spencer Robinson's murder is the second in the neighborhood this month. Neighbors said couple was shot inside their car – the man was killed and the woman is in critical condition. It happened less than a block from where Spencer Robinson was shot.

"Why nobody never wants to speak up? I don't know why. Until that happens to your family, you would want somebody to speak up," said Helena Robinson.

Spencer Robinson was also a victim of another shooting in 2011, at which time he was affiliated with known gang members. The 2011 incident occurred in the same location as Monday night's shooting, according to the city.

A check of records also showed that Spencer Robinson had been arrested before for charges including grand theft, obstructing police, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and strong arm robbery.

Police said they are looking for a gold Dodge Charger in connection to the shooting.

Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $3,000.

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