TAKOMA PARK, Md. — "I couldn't believe it," said a relative of Murat Pacal in an interview with WUSA9 Monday afternoon. He asked for his name not to be used, because he and his family are still terrified by what happened and worried about their safety.
He told WUSA9 Pacal, who went by his nickname Ronih, was an incredible person.
"He was always around, if you need something, it didn't matter how far you were," he said.
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, officers responded to calls of a shooting just after 3 a.m. in the 6700 block of New Hampshire Avenue. There, police say they found a man who had been shot. The victim, later identified as 40-year-old Ronih Murat Pacal, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pacal's relative told WUSA9 he got a call from Ronih's roommate and rushed to the scene.
"Once I got there, I could see his body laying on the ground, it was unbelievable," he said as he fought back tears.
He says Ronih and his roommate were staying at Takoma Towers. He says the two had gone out to Ronih's car to get his medicine when they were approached by two suspects.
"They were stopped by two masked persons with a gun. They asked for everything," he said.
"They were very young," he said according to the roommate.
He says the roommate handed over everything, but his Ronih tried to reason with the attackers, who, in turn, opened fire. He says Ronih was shot three times and died at the scene.
He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
He says Ronih was in the restaurant business and often visited the area for work. He told WUSA9 Ronih was planning to move back to Turkey on Saturday.
Detectives have not released any information leading up to the shooting. As of now, there is no word on a suspect or motive.
Ronih's friends have started a GoFundMe to help his family cover funeral costs at this difficult time. They say Pacal leaves behind a wife and two young children, ages 4 and 6.
"Ronih was not just a victim; he was a devoted husband and father, a friend who brightened our lives with his kindness and warmth. Now, we have the opportunity to give back to him and his grieving family. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact."
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and conviction. If anyone has information relevant to this investigation and would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective, they are asked to please call 301-516-2512. For those who wish to remain anonymous, visit Prince George's County Crime Solvers website at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.