News 12 spoke with the family of Shaliek Smith, a 24-year-old fatally stabbed on Halsey Street in Bushwick on Jan. 23. His grandmother wanted to remain anonymous, but says he was a light in their lives.

“The bottom line is, you know, his life was cut short. You know, it's it's just a tragedy. And it's sad. He still had growing to do. And he didn’t get the opportunity to," said Smith's grandmother.

Smith's grandmother says she lost her son, Smith's father, to violence back in 2003. She says she and his grandfather have raised Smith as his own ever since.

“They say crime is down but it seems like it keeps happening to me," said Smith's grandmother.

Smith's grandmother says he was an aspiring rapper and father. Smith leaves behind a 2-year-old girl.

“Now another child is growing up without a father, and it’s wrong," said Smith's grandmother.

Police have arrested four teenagers in connection to Smith's death.