TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Friends and family gathered Monday night to remember a man who died after a shooting on Magnolia Drive last week.
The family identified the victim to WCTV as Zale Baker Jr.
Those who knew and loved Baker. came together at the Magnolia Terrace Apartments, where the shooting happened, to light candles, release balloons, and say their goodbyes.
“He had a heart of gold; he’d give the shirt off his back to anybody. We are not supposed to be right here today,” said Ta’Mareah Hudson, a friend of Baker.
Hudson said the loss has been difficult for everyone who knew him.
“I feel angry that we even have to be out here right now doing a candlelight for him; he didn’t deserve this,” Hudson said.
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According to the Tallahassee Police Department, Baker was found at the Magnolia Terrace Apartments last Wednesday morning, just before 10 a.m. He had been shot multiple times and was taken to the hospital.
His family told WCTV he died the following day.
Baker leaves behind three children. His death has been especially difficult for his twin sister, Shanzale Baker.
“I just know that I will never get another him. He was a good brother, he was a loving brother, a caring brother. He was a family person. I just hate it had to be like this because me and my brother had a lot of plans,” she said.
Hudson said his death has affected not only his family but also his friends and his three children, who will now grow up without their father.
Now, his family is asking for justice and peace while also calling for an end to gun violence.
“This was senseless, this was violence, this was not ok. Like the gun violence, it has to stop; it really does have to stop,” Hudson said.
At this time, TPD has not announced any arrests in connection with Baker’s death.
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