New York state man shot dead after 'row over parking space' explodes into savage violence

A family has been left devastated after a 20-year-old man was shot dead in an argument over a parking spot in New York State.

MDrawnaq Ratin was killed on Saturday not long before 5pm in the residential Cedar Road. His loved ones are calling for the shooting to be investgated as a hate crime but police say the investigations are at a too early stage.

Cops rushed to the scene after being called by someone who claimed to be the suspect. They found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound and tried to desperately save him. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead there.

Initial reports suggested the suspect waited for police to arrive and a handgun was recovered from the scene. So far no charges have been brought.

Tennessee woman 'murders' sister and then 'confesses' while 'posing as pregnant mistress' of victim's husband

Missing Texas mom Suzanne Simpson likely to be in key spot as police announce major new development

“My wife called and she said ‘your son, he was shot,’” Mr Ratin’s father, MDataur Liton told 7News. “I cannot believe that, because my son is a good guy, I don’t know who shot him.”

"All of a sudden, [the shooter] had a problem with him parking there. It was free parking, it was a road, and he got mad for some reason,” Latif said. “He tried to threaten us, and he tried to attack him. He unholstered his gun. When we were trying to go back to the car, he just shot him.”

Mr Ratin’s friend Hammad Latif told the paper the fatal incident began with an argument over a parking spot in front of an empty lot, where Hammad and the victim would often hang out.

Friends and family members later gathered at the Buffalo Muslim Centre for a memorial service to pay their respects. Mr Liton has said he thinks it could be a hate crime. He said: "I think this is hate crime, they don’t like us, maybe."

Police have said that despite someone reporting themselves as the shooter, a full investigation must be carried out. They do not believe the public is in any danger. So far, no arrests have been made. Mr Ratin’s family is calling for justice with his dad saying: "I am very sad, I want to see justice."

"We are urging members of our community to remain patient and calm as we work to collect and process evidence from the scene of the homicide," said Cheektowaga Police Captain Jeffrey Schmidt.

Anyone with information or video about the incident or from the area the evening of the shooting is being urged to contact the Cheektowaga Police Detective Bureau at (716) 686-3510.