SANTA Cruz residents are in shock after a 37-year-old labourer and father of one was shot and killed early on the morning of September 2.

According to reports, Akenithon Blackford of Moraldo Trace was found dead on a dirt track leading to the home he shared with his grandmother.

Police received a report of gunshots around 7 am and arrived on the scene about 20 minutes later. Blackford was found lying on his back, approximately 50 feet off the road. He was clad in a red T-shirt and brown three-quarter jeans, with black combat-style boots.