The mother of an Australian personal trainer killed in Los Angeles said her "charismatic" son touched the lives of many, particularly the children he worked with.
Azuma Bennett was shot eight times outside a marijuana store in LA on Friday.
"He was murdered on the street near his home in Windsor Hills, Los Angeles. He was unarmed," mother Victoria Milton said today.
"The police have not released any other facts as they continue to investigate and search for his killer."
Milton said he was the "golden apple" of her late husband's eye as she paid tribute to the 30-year-old and decried his senseless killing.
"Azuma had a strong character, positively touching the lives of so many - family, friends, colleagues," Bennett said.
"Plus the youth and children he trained in our Sydney Kung Fu Academy."
"He lived well, and I am so proud of him."
Milton said her murdered son was "the kind of man who was close to his grandmothers both in the US and Australia and brought them so much love and joy".
She has asked for privacy while dealing with the shock and tragedy of Bennett's "senseless" murder.
One of Bennett's friends, Aubrey, said you can still see blood in the doorway where the 30-year-old was killed.
"That is the most saddening thing to me," he told 9News.
Another friend, Tony Del Vecchio from Bondi Boxing Club said he's in shock over Bennett's death.
"(I'm) absolutely devastated," he said.
"He just exuded happiness and he was the life of the party and made sure everybody thought that he is all the time.
"From what we've been told he's been shot several times. Point blank."
The former Waverley College student had moved to the US several years ago and was only a few weeks away from returning back to Australia.
A fundraiser is now being held to repatriate his body back to Australia.
Friend Tamara Fortune described Bennett as "one of a kind".
"We lost one of the best ones out there. He did not deserve this," she said.
"He was kind to all that he met and always engaged everyone in the gym with his positive energy and engaging personality.
"Rest Easy Azuma and keep punching up there. We love you mate."
His death is being investigated but the LA Sheriff's Department is yet to lay charges.
There is not a suspect in custody, and nobody else was on the scene when police arrived.
Windsor Hills is an unincorporated neighbourhood in the middle of Los Angeles itself.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
