An Edmonton family is making a plea to the public, asking for help in solving an act of violence that claimed a loved one just before last year's Christmas season.
Relatives of Melvin Edward Hansen gathered at the Shiloh Baptist Church Saturday morning, begging for witnesses, people with information, or the suspects themselves to come forward.
The 21-year-old's lifeless body was discovered in the front yard of a north-end home on December 12th, 2009 and so far no one has answered for the homicide.
"It is my prayer that if you the person, or persons, who committed the crime are watching or listening - you are forgiven," said Hansen's uncle Richard Sanders.
Sanders, along with his wife, raised Hansen from the age of nine and says his family needs closure.
At this time, all that is known is their nephew was at Winston's Pub, located at 90th Street and 132nd Avenue, the night of December 11th. His body was found in the morning a few blocks away, at a home on 90th Street and 130th Avenue.
Police said Hansen was not dressed for the minus 30-degree weather and told CTV the incident may have been drug-related.
"The suspects chased our victim through some residential neighbourhoods, to the location we found him," said Det. Rob Mills in an interview now a year old.
Sanders believes his nephew's death may have been an accident.
"I don't think they meant to kill Melvin, but unfortunately it happened," he said.
"He may have stepped on someone's toes - in today's culture there is no reset button on someone's life once you take it."
Two weeks after the homicide, police recovered a stolen 1995 white Dodge Neon that they said had traces of the victim's blood inside.
Officials were looking to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle from December 11th to the early hours of December 12th.
A cause of death has not yet been released and police say people with that piece of the puzzle may have information that could lead to an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call Edmonton police at 780-423-4567. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With Files from Sonia Sunger
