Private Investigator Had Troubled Past With Man Who Shot HimMay 12 - Friends say a private investigator shot on the job, and the man accused of shooting him were no strangers.

Emery Goad's family and friends want justice for a shooting they believe was intended to kill, based on a troubled past and what John Harper reportedly said to Goad before the shot was fired.

According to Goad's attorney, Goad and Harper have had problems in the past. On Saturday, those problems came to a head. That's when police believe Harper shot Goad outside Harper's home on east Armour.

Joe Cassel is Goad's attorney and long-time friend. Cassell says Goad told him he and two others went to Harper's home to take possession of a 1951 Rolls Royce. They knocked, and when Harper answered he was served with the order. According to Cassell, Harper told Goad he needed his glasses, and went back inside to get them. When he returned, Harper was holding a gun.

Goad was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Five days later he's still in the hospital, but Harper is free. He's reportedly staying with family in Kansas City after posting a $2,500 bond. As of Thursday, Harper hadn't been charged with any crimes.

Cassell says he and the Goad family don't understand why Harper hasn't been charged and why he's out of jail.

According to Cassell, Goad and Harper were very familiar with each other and had a rocky relationship in the past. Goad had previously been appointed to collect a judgment against Harper.

Cassell says what happened Saturday was no accident.

"From what I understand there's no question Mr. Goad was the intended target." says Cassell. "He spoke to him by name when he shot him, something to the effect of 'I'm sorry it's come to this.'"

Ironically, just last week Goad sent a letter to one of his clients and asked him to start including the date of birth of the people he'd be serving. The reason Goad gave was safety concerns, saying he is seeing more dangerous people in his line of work.

The District Attorney's office won't comment on the case. They are reviewing the police reports to determine what if any charges will be filed.