RALEIGH -- Family members and friends paid tribute Saturday to 53-year-old Fred Edgerton, who was fatally shot Monday while trying to break up a fight at the Oakley Square Apartments off Cheek Rd. in Durham.

“The community seems empty, it's like his presence isn't there," said Nikkia Williams, one of Edgerton's tenants.

She says his death leaves many broken hearts and a hole in the community.

“The kids are not the same. At one point, they would look in the mail slot and say 'Mr. Fred, Mr. Fred you got some candy?' It's not going to happen anymore... it's not going to happen anymore and it's hurtful," she said.

Williams said Edgerton was more than just an apartment manager, he looked out for the community and tragically died keeping it safe.

“He was keeping our community safe. At one time, Cheek Rd. had the worst name. Now Cheek Rd. is just quiet, it was peaceful. Our children can actually go outside and play," she said.

While Edgerton had six children and was a grandfather to nine, "Mr. Fred" was a fatherly figure for the entire community.

“Without his presence there I think a lot of kids would be lost and a lot of kids would not be on track to have a worthwhile life. I think he impacted a lot of people and he is going to be sorely missed," said Anthony Kajencki.

A quote on Edgerton's obituary read “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do," and the mourning community here hopes the youth will continue Edgerton's legacy of helping others and keeping the community safe.

“He did everything for the children and as I look out my bedroom window, I can see the playground he was just working on … like literally just working on last week and every time I look out my window, I just look at that playground. I'm going to miss him greatly," said Williams.

Police arrested 21-year-old Shatique Skinner Thursday and arrested him with Edgerton's murder.

Friday, a judge denied bond, saying prosecutors haven't said if they would pursue the death penalty in the case.

Skinner is set to go back to court in June.