The West Farms community is mourning the loss of 28-year-old Richard Spigner, who was shot and killed just days before Christmas.

Known affectionately as "JR," Spigner was gunned down on Saturday, Dec. 21, leaving friends and family heartbroken.

Outside the building where he lived, candles still burn in his honor as loved ones struggle to cope with the devastating loss.

“It’s a singular act that did not have to happen,” says Jasper, a neighbor and friend.

Jasper describes Spigner as an ambitious man with a lot of promise.

“He was always out here, upbeat, always trying to better himself,” Jasper says.

Friends called Spigner a devoted father, and those close to him say the pain of his loss extends far beyond his death.

“That’s another son growing up without a father. That hurt runs deeper than a bullet.”

His neighbor Jasper recalled seeing him just hours before the shooting and is now grappling with the suddenness of the tragedy.

“There are no redos, no do-overs,” he says. “And that’s the saddest part. Happening before the holidays, it has killed the whole vibe of this building.”

Police have not yet made any arrests. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.