A 72-year-old man who was about to board a bus to go to a medical appointment was shot to death outside his Roseland neighborhood home early Saturday during an apparent robbery attempt, police said.

"He was 72 years old, his birthday was just Sunday, last weekend, Sunday, he just turned 72," said William Strickland's son-in-law.

And now just days after celebrating life, Strickland's family members are planning his funeral after he was fatally shot steps away from his front door.

Fox 32 News has learned the 72 year old was on his way to dialysis treatment early Saturday morning when he was ambushed and ultimately struck by multiple bullets in his back, stomach and head in an apparent robbery.

Theolene Shears was home next door when the attack happened.

"Very shocking because we haven't had anything like this happen to us... Now traffic is motor traffic, pedestrians very few... No definitely not normal," said Shears.

And Shears would know.

She's lived in her home on the far south side for nearly five decades and describes the father, husband and friend who loss his life.

"He was a wonderful person, now that I can say. I can really honestly say he was very nice," said Shears.

"They must have been scoping him out for somebody to be out at 3:00 in the morning, yeah. So it's sad," said Deedra Shepard.

The shooting happened across the street from Chicago State University where Fox 32 News noticed a lone state police car patrolling the area Saturday afternoon. Police say they're searching for two suspects and believe Strickland was the target of an apparent robbery though it's a mystery what, if anything was taken.

Source: Fox 32 News