JEFFERSON PARISH, La. – A man was found shot to death in the backyard of this home in Avondale on Church Street near Glen Della Drive around 8 Tuesday morning, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. They have not confirmed the identity of the victim, but Joseph Thomas told WGNO that his brother Charles William Thomas was killed. Joseph says Charles lived in this home with their mother. The family is devastated.

“This violence got to stop. It must stop. And I am not sugar coating, my brother wasn’t perfect, but he was trying to turn his life around. I’m just praying my mother and my family right now. This is very, very hard,” said Joseph Thomas, brother of the victim.

Joseph also told WGNO that a young woman seen crying outside of the home is the 20 year old daughter of Charles. Charles also had a 5 year old daughter. He was going to turn 39 next week. Joseph says his brother was going to church and got a steady job cleaning barges. Joseph rushed over to his mom’s house when he got a call from neighbors saying they heard two or three shots fired. This is the second loss for this family in four months. Charles and Joseph’s sister died earlier this year from a heart attack.

Deputies are still investigating. They said there are no suspects at this time and they do not have a motive. If you know anything, please contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.