FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - The family of a young man who was fatally shot outside of a Walgreens in Fort Lauderdale said their loved one was set up, as police ask for the public’s help in their search for the two people responsible.
Loved ones said they will not rest until the culprits behind the shooting of 23-year-old Roderick Gallon on Friday morning are caught.
“We ain’t doing good; we’re hurt. We want to find out who did this to my nephew. We want to find out who did it,” said the aunt, who asked not to be identified.
Gallon’s aunt asked anyone with information to come forward.
“They said it was a robbery, but I don’t think it was a robbery,” she said. “I think somebody set my nephew up. That’s what happened.”
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the incident happened in the parking lot of the Walgreens near Sunrise Boulevard and Andrews Avenue.
Investigators said Gallon and a friend parked there and walked to a party nearby.
“When they were walking back to their parked vehicle is when they were approached by two armed suspects,” said FLPD spokesperson DeAnna Greenlaw.
Sureillance video shows Gallon walking to his car, followed by his friend in a wheelchair.
Police said one of the gunmen robbed Gallon’s friend and shot Gallon several times.
“We are unsure if there was any type of dialogue between them, but he ultimately opens fire,” said Greenlaw.
Gallon’s family said Gallon, nicknamed “Stick’em,” was a good person, and one of his favorite things to do was dance.
“My baby danced his whole life. He’s been dancing since he was a baby,” said his father, Richard Gallon. “You couldn’t stop him from dancing.”
“He was a nice dude, young, [23] years old, had a whole, big, full life ahead of him,” said his aunt. “He used to dance. He used to dance a lot. He liked to have a lot of fun.”
7News cameras captured family members consoling one another on Monday. The emotions at times were overwhelming.
“That was my pride and joy. That was the only child I had, and he was mine. He was my everything,” said Leticia Lewis, Gallon’s mother, as she broke down in tears.
Gallon called himself a rapper, dancer, dance group CEO and the father of a young daughter.
“My baby keeps asking where is her daddy. I can’t say nothing to her,” said Danielle Dyke, the mother of his daughter. “All I can do is just look at her. She’s crying herself to sleep.”
“When something like this happens, nobody cares until it hits home to you,” said Gallon’s father. “Nobody gives a damn until it’s your house, until it’s your home, until it’s your son, and today it’s mine. I want his name everywhere. Long live Stick’em, Stick’em, my baby!”
Gallon’s friend was not injured. Police are not releasing his name.
If you have any information on this shooting or the gunmen’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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