Los Angeles ( CNN ) No one knew him by his real name . But on the harsh streets of Skid Row that became his home , he was known as Africa . Surveillance footage , police and homeless community activists paint wildly different pictures of the man -- one who could be violent , benevolent , troubled and altruistic . Africa was shot and killed by Los Angeles police Sunday after he scuffled with officers . The shooting , caught on video , has renewed accusations of police brutality because it showed him already on the ground . Police say he tried to reach for an officer 's gun . The Los Angeles County coroner 's office has identified Africa , but is not releasing his real name pending notification of relatives . Africa came to the United States from the continent about a decade ago , said a friend who would only be identified as Nick G. Like Africa , Nick had also been homeless on the streets of Skid Row -- a decrepit area wrought with poverty and despair . `` He wanted to get away from here , he wanted to go back home , '' Nick said . `` He was very depressed . Very , very depressed . He had a good side to him , a good heart . '' Africa kept a tent outside the Union Rescue Mission homeless shelter . Even though the shelter was right in front of him , he did n't want the help . Instead , Africa often helped the shelter 's employees . `` Our cleaning guys -- he would help them organize cleaning of ( the ) sidewalk , '' said the Rev . Andy Bales , the shelter 's CEO . He described Africa as gentle and kind -- but with an erratic side . `` I attribute the erratic behavior to this difficult environment out here . '' Less than an hour before he was killed Sunday , a nearby security camera showed Africa apparently dealing drugs -- the sad and only real currency of Skid Row 's economy . The footage then shows Africa getting into a fight with the man in the orange tent next to him , violently tipping the tent and kicking the man . Police arrive and talk to Africa , but he jumps into the tent -- prompting officers to draw their guns . Africa then jumps out , swinging his arms at police . Los Angeles police say he tried to grab an officer 's gun , and that 's when he was shot . Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck called the incident `` an extreme tragedy . '' `` We feel great compassion in the LAPD for people who live in conditions of homelessness , and often mental illness , with no treatment , '' Beck said . `` We prepare our officers to deal as best they can with them , but the reality is this is much more than a problem that the police alone can solve . '' Bales said the dismal conditions of LA 's Skid Row makes it a tinder box for more problems . `` There is no other major city in the U.S. that has a skid row like ours , '' he said . `` 2,000 human beings living on the street . Until we deal with that , we 're going to continue to have an explosive situation . '' On the sidewalk where Africa was shot , a modest memorial sits atop a small pile of belongings . `` RIP Cameroon , '' one cardboard sign reads `` Rest in Peace Africa . '' It 's unclear when the Los Angeles County coroner 's office will release Africa 's real name . From there , it 's unclear where Africa 's remains will go . CNN 's Kyung Lah reported from Los Angeles ; Holly Yan reported and wrote from Atlanta .
The man known as Africa often helped employees at a homeless shelter . He was arrested in April and charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the death of his wife, who died after being shot multiple times during an argument over money she owed him.