The family of an American pastor who was fatally gunned down last week say his murder was a case of mistaken identity.

Pastor Kevin D. Nick of Higher Dimensions Church International was discovered shot to death in his car on Friday, just a mile away from his home and church in Decatur, Georgia. 

A witness to the crime described how a man walked up to Nick’s SUV and asked the driver if he was “Terrance" before shooting him. On Saturday, a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the shooting.

Speaking to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, friend Marica Chisolm described Nick as "loving, loyal, helpful, funny, anointed" and said she couldn't understand why anyone would want to harm him. 

"Why did you feel the need to shoot him four times – like why?” she said.

DeKalb County police say they found Nick in his car at around 7 pm on Friday. There were two shootings in the area on that night, but police have yet to link them. 

“Please, please, please contact authorities and let them know so that his mom and his family and friends can at least know that justice will be served for him,” Chisolm added. 

A member of the church announced pastor Nick's death with a post on Facebook:

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, the Nick Family, Higher Dimensions Church International, and the Higher Dimension Fellowship Assemblies announce the sudden Episcopal Transition of His Grace, Chief Apostle Kevin D. Nick D.D. Although heavy-hearted, we rejoice knowing he is at peace with his God." 

"Apostle Nick demonstrated a level of care and concern throughout his ministry. He was certainly a general in the Kingdom and will be greatly missed by all whose life he so fervently touched.”

Pastor Nick had just turned 43.

On his birthday, the pastor posted to Facebook, writing: "Well today is the day! The big 43!! Thank God I survived what I didn’t see coming!! Not long landed in Vegas for a ministry assignment, yep I’m still building and working , I owe him my life!!!"