Maurice Harris, Fla. father, fatally shot while trying to protect daughter during home invasion, report says

(CBS) -- The family of a Florida father who died late Tuesday during a home invasion robbery said he was trying to protect his daughter from the armed robbers, CBS Miami reports.

Maurice Harris, 34, was fatally shot after two armed men forced their way into the Miami home just before midnight Tuesday, according to the station.

His mother-in-law, Annie Streeter, said her granddaughter was asleep in her room while the girl's mother woke up during the robbery.

"When she came in, someone put a gun to her head and made the father get down on the floor," Streeter said.

Police said the men were heavily armed. When one of the robbers tried to enter the room where the couple's 11-year old daughter was sleeping, Harris got up and fought with the gunman, CBS Miami reports.

"When the guys tried to go to the daughter's room, he got up to fight," Streeter said. "They were fighting together and the gun went off and killed him."

Harris was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries, Streeter said.

"These men are beasts," said police spokeswoman Kenia Reyes. "A little girl was asleep when she was surprised by the gunfire ... the father was just trying to protect her."

Streeter said Harris, who suffered from Lupus, was married to his wife for 14 years.

"I am in a state of shock," Streeter said. "I know he loved his family and this is just like him, to give his life for his family."

No arrests were made in the home invasion case.