More than $54,000 has been raised to support the two children of a man fatally shot in front of his toddler as he preached about Jesus.

Thomas Hand Jr., 37, was shot and killed on 22 January on a street in Montgomery, Alabama in the presence of his pregnant wife and 2-year-old son.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The online fundraiser, launched by the victims' sister-in-law will go towards the future expenses of Hands' unborn baby and toddler Rowan.

"The funds raised by this account will go toward helping pay for my nephew Roman and the baby's future expenses. Any and all funds donated will be appreciated during this tough time for the Hand family. My sister Christine Kozlowski Hand will be the beneficiary for this account," the page reads.

The GoFundMe page was set up six days ago with a target of $3,000. 

To date the site has garnered funds of $54,353.

According to reports by the Daily Mail, Hand who became a Christian in 2018, would regularly take to the streets of Alabama with his family to share the Gospel.

Following the attack, Hand's wife Christine posted on Facebook: "Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers during this time of the passing of my husband Tommy Hand. I feel the love and support from everyone."

17-year-old Jerimiah Walker has been arrested in connection with the crime and faces a charge of capital murder in the presence of a child under 14.

Hands funeral will take place on Friday 4th February in New Orleans.