(NECN: Julie Loncich, Billerica, Mass.) - Police are investigating a fatal armed home invasion in Billerica, Mass.
"He was an amazing person, he was an amazing guy," said Vangela Mendez. "I can't start thinking about it because I'm going to cry - he was great and now he's gone."
Mendez counted Quintin Koehler, the victim in the home invasion, among her best friends. Up until two weeks ago, she lived with him here at his Billerica, Mass. home on Boston Road.
She last spoke with the 22 year old just a few days ago, and now she finds herself speaking with detectives about his murder.
"He was like my brother. It's hard knowing that he's gone," said Mendez. "I still can't think about it because it hurts."
Police say Koehler was fatally shot during a home invasion just before 4 a.m. Saturday. He was taken to the Lahey Clinic where hospital officials confirmed his death.
Investigators spent hours processing the scene, looking for clues and for suspects. Neighbors watched on in disbelief.
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"I'm nervous, it's making me scared," said Elaine Healey, a neighbor. "It's so close to home."
"It's scary when it happens in a quiet neighborhood," said Valerie Bowlan, another neighbor.
Police do not believe this home invasion was random. Sources tell NECN the suspects may have been looking for Quintin's older brother Ryan Koehler, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a February 2011 Billerica home invasion, but whom sources confirm is out of prison.
"He was so good to me, he was so nice to me. He was so nice to everyone," said Mendez. "Everyone that came in, he was very respectful and I don't know who would do something like that. It's just so mean."
