Marine killed during robbery in Brooklyn

FLATBUSH (WABC) -- It was a tragic end for a man who dedicated eight years of his life to the serving as a Marine.

Neighbors tell Eyewitness News that Alexander Manning lost his life, just half a block away from his front door.

Poster after poster, Manning's picture hangs on several signs on East 52nd Street in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.

He's a Marine who risked his life fighting for his country died not in war, but on his own block. He was killed by robbers according to police.

Manning's family tells Eyewitness News they've been told by detectives the suspects are all teenagers.

"You fight for the country every day and this is what you get, that's horrible," said Brittany Spence, a resident.

Police say Manning was robbed just before 11 Sunday night by the four suspects, but when the Marine decided not to hand over his valuables, one of the suspects shot and killed him.

People Eyewitness News talked to in the neighborhood say this is becoming all too common.

"The neighborhood, it's indicative of the problems, the gangs the violence, the lack of police presence except for when something happens," said Val Vanlor, a resident.

Eyewitness News did see a police car with two officers parked nearby, but neighbors say that has only been since the shooting.

"I do feel safer with them there," Vanlor said.

Manning's sister was too upset to talk on camera, because she was on her way to pick out her brother's casket, but said she desperately wants the teens arrested.

One 16-year-old is already in custody after Manning's sister said the bullet that killed her brother also struck the teen.

"Go to school, get a job, don't hang out, it's winter time, you know what's happening around here, it's scary," Spence said.

A camera above a daycare directly across the street could offer some clues.

A worker at the daycare says the camera belongs to the owner of the building and police are working to get the footage.

There is a reward of $2,000 for anyone who has information that can lead to more arrests.