A man was shot and killed Sunday morning outside the Melrose Houses.

Police say the 39-year-old, identified by family members as Rafael Guzman, was shot in the back in front of the NYCHA housing complex on 681 Courtlandt Ave. around 4:30 a.m.

Family members say that Guzman was trying to break up a fight when he was shot. However, police say witnesses told them it appears the victim may have been trying to rob two Hispanic men and then was shot. 

There are several cameras in the area that police removed to check for evidence. 

Friends and family say Guzman recently took a job in a Westchester law firm and was also a dancer, poet and rapper.