Family and long-time friends of Garry Godson told CTV News, the man shot to death early Monday morning led a troubled life.

They said the man in his early 30s spent time in jail, but was a great person despite his troubles.

The shooting happened in the 100 block of Highfield Street in Norwood Flats early Monday morning.

Around 12:40 a.m. April 20, police and emergency crews responded to reports of gunshots near Highfield and Chandos Avenue.

Neighbour Katrina Rackham described hearing five shots. "I was very scared. Stuff like this doesn't happen in our neighbourhood," she told CTV News.

Police found a man in the area with gunshot wounds. He died in hospital.

The homicide unit is investigating.

Anyone with information can contact investigators at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

In 2006, Winnipeg police arrested Garry Godson and laid charges that included kidnapping, aggravated assault and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

It stemmed from an incident in which police said three males lured a victim to a home on St. Mary’s Road and assaulted him for several hours. The charges were ultimately stayed when the victim didn’t testify.