"Life is very valuable and some people don't really appreciate it. If anybody out there knows anything and could help us we would really appreciate it. It is a tragedy," said Pedro Campos, victim's uncle.
Witnesses say around 3:45 p.m. they heard the sound of gunfire outside a medical marijuana clinic called the La Brea Collective, on the 800 block of South La Brea.
Police say three suspects attempted to enter the facility and rob it. They were confronted by an unarmed Noe Gonzalez.
A fight broke out and at least one suspect pulled a gun.
"They just shot him like, five shots. I know he only heard three or four times because the bullet that went right here, went right through his body," said witness Francisco Garcia.
The suspects escaped on foot. Two were captured by police in the area.
Business owners say that there has been trouble in the clinic before, including a shooting six months ago.
Witnesses say the window of a nearby hair salon was damaged by the gunfire.
"This is absolutely crazy. This should not be in nobody's neighborhood," said business owner Rosario Schuler. "If you have medical marijuana, let it be administered in a medical facility, not in a neighborhood like a business so you jeopardize all the people around you."
Patients stopped by the clinic Thursday to purchase marijuana, but its doors were closed. There is a small memorial outside as a tribute to Gonzalez.
"This was a job for this man. He was providing services for us. He was making sure that people that don't have documentation are allowed to do this stuff. He's protecting our lives," said clinic patient, Leon Albert.
Meanwhile, back at the apartment where Gonzalez lived with his mother, dozens of friends were reaching out in support of the family who loss so much.
"We are going to miss him. He was always such a hard worker. He took pride in everything he did," said Isaac Campos, victim's cousin.
Gonzalez was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is urged to call the LAPD at (877) LAW-FULL, or (877) 529-3855.
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