Vigil for murdered Villa Rica man

VILLA RICA, Ga. - Dozens gathered Friday night at the site of a murder mystery in Villa Rica.

Tears were flowing at the prayer vigil outside the Villa Rica Apartment of 41-year-old Lacarno Ydale Boykin, Dale to friends and family.

“We loved the man that God blessed us with. He was an amazing father, an amazing son. He was an amazing brother, an amazing uncle,” Canova McDonald, Boykin's mother told the crowd.

Villa Rica Police said a maintenance man found Boykin face down on the front porch outside his apartment Tuesday just before noon.

He’d been shot to death.

“We have reason to believe he was actually shot inside the apartment and then came outside the apartment before he actually died,” said Captain Keith Shaddix with the Villa Rica Police Department.

He said there is nothing to indicate Boykin was robbed but motive for the murder is unclear.

“I don't believe that there was anybody other than the suspect or suspects that were inside the apartment,” said Captain Shaddix.

Boykin’ stepfather also spoke to the crowd.

“He was a good brother ain't hurt nobody, somebody who'd give you the shirt off his back if he had to,” said Pastor Andre McDonald, a pastor at a local church.

Family members said Boykin was a beloved barber to many, offering free haircuts to kids and the elderly at his front porch where he died.

They said Boykin was going to help put on a community breakfast next Saturday.

“We're still going to have it because I know he'd want us to go on and celebrate him but he won't be there his smiling face won't be there,” said Nefretiry Boykin, the victim’s sister.

Family and friends hope a two thousand dollar crime stoppers reward helps find the killer or killers of Dale Boykin who was remembered with a balloon release.

“We're trying to start the healing process but it really isn't going to kick in until we get some kind of Justice. You know a suspect, somebody,” said Ms. Boykin.

Family and friends hope a $2,000 Crime Stoppers reward helps find the killer or killers of Dale Boykin who was remembered with a balloon release.

Anyone with information on the murder of Dale Boykin is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS or the Villa Rica Police Department