"There's nothing more that I want right now than to catch the people who did this and caused this much pain for me and my family," said the victim's sister Micharri Pratts.
Martin was shot to death on Tuesday at about 7 p.m. as he cleaned the garage of the Inglewood home he shares with his grandmother on the 3200 block of 109th Street. Police say Martin shielded his son, taking two bullets to the upper body. The boy was grazed by a bullet but was not seriously injured.
"I don't even think that he had to think twice about doing something like that. He probably just reacted because that's the person that he is," said Martin's friend Renita Chaney.
Martin's grandmother told police she saw two men running from their home. Police have not identified suspects or a motive for the shooting. Investigators said the single father had no gang ties.
Martin's friend, who was in the garage during the shooting, was wounded in the foot.
Family members said Martin was a college graduate who had a good job and loved his son dearly. He had recently gotten married, and found out his wife was having a baby girl, friends said. They believe the shooting was random.
"He died a hero protecting his son from individuals that walked up and fired into him in his garage," said Inglewood Mayor James Butts.
The city of Inglewood has not offered any reward at this time, but officials say police are working diligently to solve the murder.
Anyone with information was asked to call Inglewood police at (310) 412-5246 or the anonymous tip line at (888) 41-CRIME.
A fund has been set up for Martin's children and family. Those who would like to make a donation can do so at www.WePay.com/Mac-Martin-Kid-S-Fund.
