Homicide Victim's Brother Speaks Out
ember 24, 2012 - After five months, the brother of a homicide victim is speaking out on the length of the police investigation.
Nelson Irizarry was 42-years-old when he was shot and killed at West 19th and Myrtle Streets.
The case is still open 5 months later.
"We were really close," said Victor Irizarry of his brother Nelson.
Victor is questioning why no one has been arrested and charged with his death yet.
He says that he knows who killed his brother and that he's spoken to police several times.
Victor now just wants answers so he can share them with his parents and other family members who live in
"So far right now I haven't been giving them everything because it seems like every time I give them something their hopes get high it just goes on the back burner," Victor said.
There are five shooting death cases that are still unsolved in the city.
Shanti Bayette was killed last November, Nelson Irizzary was shot in April, John Cargile was shot this August, Sammica Roberts died of a gunshot wound to the head in September and Lexie Castile also died in September.
Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says that all open cases are treated the same.
"It's an active open homicide investigation and by no means does it get pushed aside because of time or because of any other conditions,"
Until someone is charged with nelson's death, Victor says all he can do is remember the man his brother was.
"He was a working man," Victor said. "He had his own shop doing mechanical work. He was the type of guy who would take his shirt off his back and give it to you. He was a very happy guy he liked drag racing. He was a pool shark, that guy could play pool."
The family created a memorial at West 19th and Myrtle Streets.
Victor says he is hopeful he will get answers soon.
