West Philadelphia -
A devastated community wants answers after a man who spent years of his life helping troubled youth was gunned down just steps from his home.
Police confirm they have arrested 47-year-old James Scott and have filed charges in connection to the murder of his cousin, Gregory Scott, FOX 29 has learned.
"I mean, he's gonna be truly missed, he is," said Nigel Porter, who couldn't hold back the tears as he talked about his neighbor and friend, Gregory Scott. Scott was ambushed and shot to death outside of his home late Wednesday night.
"He was the type of guy, you want a puppy, here take a puppy," Porter told FOX 29. "If you didn't have no money to send your kid on a trip, he'd give it to you."
The 55-year-old Scott was a husband, a father, and a mentor to dozens of children in this West Philadelphia neighborhood. He was also a drill master with the Goldcoast Buccaneers Drill Team. Working with young people was his passion.
"We're devastated," said Bob Young of the Buccaneers. "I know the children are gonna' be devastated."
"He was a father figure to many of us children. He also was a leader," said Russell Shoatz. "He also made sure that we stayed out of trouble."
Police say Scott had just stepped out of his car on the 200 block of Millick Street when a gunman appeared out of nowhere and opened fire at close range. Homicide detectives say Scott was hit multiple times in the head and body. They say he didn't have a chance.
"For somebody to take a man's life like that. You have no right," Porter said.
Scott's daughter is a rescue squad worker for the city and reportedly responded to the 9-1-1 call for help. Scott died at the shooting scene.
"We believe it was bad blood with the decedent and our person of interest and it spilled over about a half hour before the murder," Capt. Clark explained earlier Thursday.
"For somebody to turn around and do that to him. He never deserved it," Porter added.
A vigil for the victim was planned for Thursday evening on Millick Street, where Scott was gunned down.
Gregory Scott, 55, was gunned down at close range and hit multiple times.
