The 38-year-old man who was shot and killed sitting in his car over the weekend near Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center was a “big teddy bear” who loved everyone, especially Jesus, according to his sister.

“He just could make anyone laugh,” said Ashley Smith, sister to the slain Derick Shafer. “He had the biggest heart.”

Spokane police officers responded shortly before 1 a.m. to the area of South McClellan Street and Sixth Avenue and found Shafer dead inside a vehicle, according to police. Investigators believe an unknown suspect walked up to his car and started firing at Shafter, who was seated inside. The suspect ran away, and police have yet to locate him.

Shafer died of gunshot wounds, according to the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office, which ruled the death a homicide.

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