Family pleads for info in cold case

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - The family of a man shot and killed three years ago is pleading with police, media and the public to open up his case again.

Dwanne Martin of Newport News was killed on 35th Street in May 2009. His family is hosting a barbecue for what would have been his 33rd birthday Aug. 11

"We don't even really like to get together anymore because it's like a piece of us is missing," Martin's sister Carrie Percell said. "Like they took a piece of our heart out."

Six family members gathered at a police station Friday morning. They told WAVY.com family meant everything to Martin.

"His son used to ask me, 'Grandma, where's my daddy?'" Martin's mother Mollie Askew said. "I said, 'He's flying around in heaven with grandma.' He said, 'Can I go?' I said, 'No, not yet.' I'll sleep one day, then I'll be up all night the next day. That's off and on for three years."

The whole family agrees - they are tired of not having answers.

"Justice has to be served," Percell said. "They have to be punished for what they did to him. Nobody has the right to take anyone's life."

Martin was shot him in the head, stomach and arm. Officer Brandon Maynard reiterated the police is still working on the case.

"We're still working hard every day because we want justice for the family," Maynard said. "They deserve it."

Police revealed this week they found cocaine on Martin but told 10 On Your Side they do not believe drugs were a motive in his death. Maynard says they are not aware of a motive right now.

Call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP if you have any information on Dwanne's murder.