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Family Mourns Loss Of Man Allegedly Killed By Niece In Hyde Park

BOSTON (CBS) -- The family of Clive Francis is devastated. Police say the 49 year old was fatally shot by his niece, 36-year-old Yvonne Lewis, outside a Hype Park home on Wood Avenue on Saturday night.

Related: Former Boston Police Dispatcher Accused Of Murdering Uncle

"He would give you the shirt off his back," says Jennifer Brock, Francis' cousin. "He didn't shy away from helping anybody."

On Sunday, Boston police remained on guard outside the home. Investigators say after Yvonne shot her uncle in the head, she then fled the scene in her car. She was arrested hours later at a home in Peabody.

Lewis worked for Boston police for nine years as a communications equipment operator before resigning in 2012. Right now the motive remains a mystery.

Neighbor MacKenzie Williams says he is "very surprised. It's not something I expected to happen. I've never seen any sign of violence."

"Both sides Yvone and this side they need to get together and comes to grips with this," Green told WBZ. "It's an awful loss."

Francis was rushed to Brigham and Women's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Paulette Green, Francis' cousin, says he was "very kind, playful, loving, tender and he loves his parents."

Today, Francis' parents released a statement.

"We are grieving for our beloved son, brother and father," reads the statement. "A life lost forever, and a family that is ever changed with the tragic accident."

"They need prayers," Brock added. "They do, and those that believe in God, pray for them."

Lewis is due in court on Monday.

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