Relatives of the man found dead after a 17-hour police standoff said the incident should have never escalated to violence.

They say it could have ended peacefully, if police used a different approach

Police tape and windows smashed out of a Stella Ave home show evidence of a violent scene that family members say doesn't match the man who lived inside.

Andrew Baryluk's sister-in-law Colleen Baryluk said he was a peaceful, generous man, and an artist who made special works for his family.

“This was a very, very good man who did not deserve to die this young,” said Collen.

The 52-year-old man was found dead in his home after a standoff with Winnipeg police escalated to an exchange of gunfire.

During the conflict, police told everyone to stay out of the area.

Andrew's brother Bill feels family should have been given an exception.

“If I was called down there, I’m sure, 100 per cent that I could have talked my brother out of that house and nothing would have happened,” said Bill.

He said police called him nearly five hours after the standoff began, hours before the gunshots, but told family to stay away.

Court documents show Andrew had been ordered to move out of the home earlier this month, following a family dispute.

Bill and Colleen said their family had an agreement to let Andrew live in the home all of his life, but another brother decided he wanted Andrew to move out so he could sell the home.

Colleen can’t believe how it ended with dozens of armed officers surrounding the home.

“All this arsenal, and all these for one little guy, a disabled guy in his house,” she said.

Family said Andrew suffered from back pain and lived off disability.

He lived in the home all his life, including 10 years when he cared for his mother with dementia.

Colleen said her husband Bill wants the chance to visit the family home once again, to say his goodbyes in the place he visited his brother and best friend each week.

“To talk to Andy…for one last time,” she said.

Winnipeg police would not comment Friday on the ongoing investigation.

An autopsy will confirm whether Andrew Baryluk died from a police bullet or by a self-inflicted wound.