In the bone-chilling cold, family and friends of Santos Valeriano Argueta placed flowers and lit candles in his memory at the spot he was gunned down in Hempstead.

Officials said Argueta, 49 was shot and killed on Jan. 30 near the intersection of Peninsula Boulevard and Sewell Street. Argueta died at the hospital. Police said an arrest has not been made yet.

Through an interpreter, Santos's brother Jose Argueta said his brother's killing leaves a heartbreaking void in his family.

“There are a total of nine brothers back home – so now there are a total of eight, and they are feeling the suffering, the pain,” said Jose Argueta.

Another brother, Miguel Argueta, said that Santos was like a father to him.

News 12 sources said Santos Valeriano Argueta was eating dinner at Antojitos Express when someone tried to rob a nearby deli. Santos tried to stop the robber, but the suspect pulled Santos outside and shot him three times.

Santos's brother Juan says his family is calling on lawmakers to get tough on crime and end certain policies, including bail reform.

Santos moved to Hempstead Village in 2004 from El Salvador. His body will be sent back for a funeral and burial there, where his three children live.

The Argueta family has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for funeral expenses.