Family of father-to-be slain outside SLA barbershop relieved after arrest

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The family of a father-to-be who was killed outside a South Los Angeles barbershop is speaking out after authorities said surveillance video may have helped lead police to the suspect.

Los Angeles police said 22-year-old Tyrone Foster Jr. is the man seen firing at a group of people outside a barbershop on March 25.

Robert Ellis, who was waiting to get a haircut, was shot and killed.

"My prayer every single night was, 'Please, just let one somebody come forward and know something," said the victim's mother, Lenell Ellis.

Her prayers were answered after the surveillance video and a $50,000 reward generated numerous tips from the community. Foster was arrested Thursday in Hawthorne.

"This was critical for us. It was a good example of what a community should do when they see something is wrong," said Capt. Peter Whittingham of the LAPD.

The 27-year-old victim was not a gang member. He was excited about becoming a father. Sadly, his girlfriend had a miscarriage a few days ago.

"Without the stress and the anxiety of her losing my son, the baby would probably still be with us," said Lenell Ellis.

Robert Ellis' loved ones said they were relieved police made an arrest in the case, but that won't lessen their sorrow or reverse the unbelievable toll his murder has taken on their lives.

"I'm having a hard time with everything," his mother said. "So, people don't realize, you know, what their foolish actions do to people."