After two years, the murder of a Des Moines man remains unsolved. 32-year-old Marion Harris was shot and killed outside of a bar on this day in 2011.
“I really try to stay away from over here,” says friend Calvetta Williams.
Wednesday, Harris’ family and friends returned to the spot where he lost his life.
“It brings back a lot of memories. He was right out here when he was killed. You know, someone came through the alley and shot him in the back,” says Williams.
“I cry sometimes. A lot of times,” says Harris’ mother, Joyce Webster.
Her tears are for her son’s children who are growing up without a father and for the fact his killer is still walking the streets.
“There are several more people, maybe many more people who may have actually witnessed the homicide or who have relevant material information about the homicide who have not come forward,” says Des Moines Police Sgt. Jason Halifax.
Police say there is evidence that Harris’ death was related to some ongoing dispute. While there are suspects in his murder, a lack of witness cooperation makes an arrest that much more difficult.
“This case will remain open until an arrest is made. We could very easily close this case with the right information,” says Halifax.
For the family, justice can’t come soon enough.
“Feels like we’re going to be waiting forever,” says Webster.
The pain from their loss is still fresh two years later.
“That will never go away. It’s never going to be the same for me. It’s like a part of me died that day too,” she says.