AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) — A family is heartbroken following a deadly shooting in Amory.

Friday’s incident claimed the life of Amariontae Gates, 22, of Houston. His family spoke exclusively to WTVA 9 News.

Gates’ cousin, Sandra Blanch, said the family is heartbroken.

She described Gates as a loving and caring father who always greeted his two young boys with hugs and smiles. They will now grow up without a father.

“I hurt because she is hurting,” she said of Gates’ mother. “She has lost a child, we have lost a cousin, his kids have lost a dad, siblings have lost a brother.”

Gates was shot and killed on E Avenue while visiting his father’s family. One other person was also shot and wounded.

Amory police continue to look for answers. Investigators hope nearby cameras might help solve the case.

The Amory Police Department encourages anyone with footage of what happened to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tipsters can also submit information anonymously via the P3 Tips app.

“Picking up a gun is never the answer or the solution, because in most cases two lives are going to be taken,” Blanch said.

She continued, “Both families on both sides are going to be hurting. Gun violence, it just needs to end. It just needs to end. There’s nothing right in it. And when incidents like that happen, it not only affects the families but also the communities. That leaves a lasting impression on communities when you have drive-by shootings or shootings. It just could have went so many other ways.”

She said young men need something important that’s lacking in many communities.

“Positive role models, male mentors, to embrace these young men and teaching them different ways of resolving conflict versus turning to gun violence.”