FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are searching for the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a father near Fort Lauderdale.

Broward Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene along the 2700 block of Northwest Ninth Street, just after midnight, Friday.

Officials said they found a man’s body in a residential area.

Family members of the victim identified him as Channing Howard.

“I just got a call that somebody shot and killed my cousin,” Eric Howard said. “We’re just trying to figure out what the cause was and who killed him. We got the reward but we’re trying to get to the bottom of this.”

Eric told 7News that Channing had been released from jail around two years ago and was working on getting back on his feet.

A woman who said she was Howard’s neighbor said she considered him to be more like family than a friend.

“He was like a son to me, really,” she said. “He started calling me Mom.”

She also said that she was inside her home sleeping, but she heard the gunshots.

“It sounded really close, because it sounded real loud,” she said.

He leaves behind a 16-year-old boy.

Deputies are seeking help from the public in locating Howard’s killer.

“If you were around here at the time, if you heard any gunshots, if you heard any commotion, they’re asking you to please call them and, of course, you can remain anonymous,” BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman said.

If you have any information on this homicide, 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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