A 22-year-old man was fatally shot on Bridgeport’s East End on Wednesday night, the city’s third homicide of the year.

Police say the incident occurred near Union Avenue and Blackstone Street around 5:30 p.m.

Police believe the victim, identified by family as Benjamin Bagley, was targeted. Capt. Kevin Gilleran called it an “open and active investigation” and said they are “working on several leads.”

Bagley’s mother Michele Brown and his sister spoke exclusively with News 12’s Frank Recchia. They say Bagley, one of eight children, was critically wounded in a shooting at Bridgeport’s Italian Club in 2016. He was one of six people who were shot in that incident, but recovered.

They say he had worked at a Bridgeport funeral home and was studying to become a funeral director.

Michele Brown says he was born and raised in Bridgeport, was involved with his church and was devoted to his family. They say they have no idea who would want to kill him, but they do believe the shooting was targeted.

“I had to kiss my son laying in the hospital bed dead…I don't wish this on nobody, not even my worst enemy,” said Michele Brown.

The family says Bagley had two children and another on the way. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help pay for funeral expenses. 

Police ask anyone with information to call Detective Robert Winkler at 203-581-5244 or the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.