Underneath Shakeel Khan's dark mustache, he usually wore a warm smile.

At his Johnson City restaurant, Halal Bites, the grilled chicken over rice was a fan favorite. Khan wasn't above handing out free food sometimes or catering at his nearby mosque.

The father of three, a Pakistani native who came to the U.S. — specifically Brooklyn, New York — about 15 years ago and moved to Broome County about two years ago, is being remembered for his sense of community spirit. Khan, 50, was shot and killed Saturday night outside his restaurant on Riverside Drive by a masked suspect now being sought by Johnson City police.

Imam Anas Shaikh of the Islamic Association of the Southern Tier, who knew Khan and his family well, says the most difficult part of this tragedy is trying to answer why it happened.

When he was shot, around 10 p.m. Saturday, Khan was just closing up for the night.

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"It was the most inhumane, senseless thing you could imagine," Shaikh said Tuesday of Khan's death. "He was a community member who just liked to help others."

A GoFundMe page for Khan's family has raised over $30,000 of its now $40,000 goal. Khan is survived by his wife, two sons ages 8 and 12 and a 14-year-old daughter, all of whom attend school in the Vestal Central School District — Khan was the family's main source of income.

"Though no amount of money ever could heal the pain of the family or bring back the peace that was shattered, we hope to help them take care of their needs for the next few months as they struggle to live after their life has been turned upside down by this senseless act," the GoFundMe page stated.

Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge said the investigation remained ongoing Tuesday.

The suspect has not been identified and police haven't commented on a suspected motive in the shooting, which was Broome County's fourth homicide of 2019.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Johnson City detectives at 607-729-9321.

'Generous heart, beautiful character'

The last time Shaikh, who's served as imam to the Johnson City mosque for nearly seven years, saw Khan was Friday night — the day before he was killed.

Known as a very social family, the Khans helped set up for a family program at the mosque. Nearly 250 people showed up.

Khan moved to the Binghamton area from Brooklyn to establish his business and raise the family. The GoFundMe page says Khan is being remembered best for his "generous heart and beautiful character."

Customers have described Halal Bites as a family favorite in the area. And Khan was the kind of restaurateur they enjoyed chatting and meeting with.

Shaikh said he was one of the many frequent diners at Halal Bites; the chicken shawarma sandwich was his personal favorite item on the menu.

Proceeds collected through the GoFundMe page will be given to Khan's family by the local Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier.

"We also ask everyone to pray that Allah gives them patience and peace and that the culprit is found and given justice," the IOST said in a statement on the GoFundMe page.

Khan's funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn. He will be buried in his hometown in Pakistan; the family is flying out there with him Tuesday night.

"They're of course heartbroken and sad," Shaikh said, "but they're holding together."

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