Neighborhood Reacts To Apparent Murder Of Local Journalist Steven Sotloff

PINECREST (CBSMiami) - The news of 31-year-old Steven Sotloff's apparent murder, at the hands of ISIS militants, has devastated some neighbors of Pinecrest where his family lives.

All afternoon a steady stream of family and friends have visited the Sotloff's residence. However, the family has yet to speak on the matter.

READ: Video Purports To Show Beheading Of Local Journalist

Barak Barfi, a spokesman for the Sotloffs, did release a statement that the family is aware of the tragedy and is grieving privately.

Chris Haddock, who lives in Palmetto Bay, considers himself a neighbor and stopped by Pinecrest to show his support for the family.

"It's devastating. There are no words," said Haddock, "I would only wish that God would comfort them."

Robert Hersh, the Executive Director of Temple Beth Am, the Sotloff family temple, told CBS4's Peter D'Oench,"We hope everybody will pray for the family and be here for the family. The family asks for their privacy and to leave them alone. When they are prepared to speak, they will speak from the family home."

Click here to WATCH the report

Last week in a video Shirley Sotloff, Steven's mother, appealed to the Caliph of the Islamic state for mercy.

READ: Mother Of South Florida Journalist Held By ISIS Makes Plea To Leader

"I want what every mother wants. To live to see her children's children. I plead with you to grant me this," said Shirley Sotloff.

Her cry fell on deaf ears, as her son was allegedly murder by the terrorist group. Sotloff would be the second American journalist, alongside James Foley, to be executed by ISIS.

Though Haddock is angry at what has transpired, he knows comforting the Sotloffs is key right now.

"These guys whatever their agenda and goals are, it's brutal tactics," said Haddock. "It's propaganda, aside from the anger I wanted to make sure the family is comforted and protected."

Pinecrest Police will remain in the area to keep to unwanted visitors away.

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