A father of four was fatally shot in front of his girlfriend early Wednesday at a Candler Road motel after he answered a knock at the door, according to Channel 2 Action News.

A man leaves his room just doors down from where a victim was shot to death at America Best Value Inn on Candler Road.

Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

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Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

DeKalb police told the news station that the victim and his girlfriend were staying at the America’s Best Value Inn in the 2500 block of Candler Road when someone came to their door just before 1 a.m.

“The victim opened the door and was assaulted by the suspect,” police spokeswoman Shiera Campbell told Channel 2. “There was a struggle and the suspect shot the male. The victim was dead on scene.”

Authorities have not released the man’s name because his relatives have not been notified of his death. However, they said the victim is 39 years old.

Police are now searching for the shooter, who fled from the motel.

—Please return to AJC.com for updates.

In other news:

Atlanta Police Captain Andrew Senzer details shooting at Atlanta recording studio. Video by John Spink/AJC

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