Mistaken identity leaves innocent man dead

BROOKLYN (WABC) -- A case of mistaken identity in Brooklyn has left a young man dead.

The 22-year-old was months away from graduating from college and didn't have any criminal past.

The victim, Terrence Mahibir's future was organized and ready.

"He had his life planned out from when he was graduating; when he's getting married; when he's having his kid; when he's moving; when he's buying his house. He had everything planned out," said Mahibir's sister Terryann.

Those plans came to a deadly halt early Tuesday morning in the basement of his east 56th street home. Family members say gang members in a case of mistaken identity, fatally shot the college senior once in the chest. The intended victim, who looks strikingly similar to Mahibir was upstairs.

"He was one of the best boys you can possibly think of. And I always, on numerous occasions commended him for the role model he played to his younger brother," said Terrence's mother June.

Mahibir starred on the basketball team at Middle College High School before heading off to John Jay College of criminal justice to pursue his dream of becoming a detective. He was set to graduate in May with a degree in forensics.

When he wasn't studying, Mahibir was working at a bakery in Flatbush where his stunned co-workers can't believe he is gone.

"Terrence was work, school, home. Terrence would bring his schedule so that we could put him to work around his school," said Lusi Martino.

Police continue to search for suspects.

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