The suspect, Devon Brunt of Chicago, is accused of gunning down Telkia Burns during a robbery. Brunt is facing first-degree murder charges.
Burns, 33, was shot and killed in the 9100-block of South Commercial Sunday afternoon as he was attempting to go into his apartment.
"He had broken his pelvis and was on a cane. So, he was not able to fight. You cannot fight a gun. No way to get around that," said Katherine Burns, mom.
Burns was shot in the temple. Police say security cameras on the street helped lead them to a suspect.
Family members say Burns, the father of two children, was working on a college degree and wanted to become a counselor.
" It's really hard, but we are going to get over it," Tina Burns, sister. "He was a good father, very good in school; he had one more year."
"The university has been very nice. They are honoring him with a plaque and are planting a tree in his honor. He worked with the youth," said Katherine Burns. "He was in Iraq War, Kuwait, Japan, and he was fluent in Japanese."
The family says Burns was recognized by the Navy a number of times for his work in the military.
Meanwhile, Brunt was expected to appear in bond court Wednesday.
