Phila. mother wants justice for son's '07 murder

PHILADELPHIA - November 17, 2012 (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Police are seeking the public's help solving a homicide that happened five years ago in Southwest Philadelphia.

"I want my son to have justice. He deserves that," said Monique Irvis.

Monique Irvis is a mom on a mission to find her son's murderer.

Instead of celebrating what would have been his 25th birthday this coming Christmas Day, Irvis is relying on memories of the son she misses dearly.

"I miss his voice, his face. I miss his smile," she said.

On the night of August 1, 2007, 19-year-old Eric Woods was playing in a neighborhood basketball game in the 1100 block of South Divinity Street in Southwest Philadelphia.

The game ended around 10:00 p.m. That's when shots rang out and Eric was hit in the chest. He later died at the hospital.

Five years later, no one has come forward to tell police what they know. It was a crowded basketball court. They believe someone had to see something.

The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $1,000 reward and the city of Philadelphia is posting up to $20,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction of Eric Woods' killer.

Anyone with information is asked to call 215-546-TIPS. Calls remain anonymous. It could be worth up to $21,000.

"Nobody knows what I'm going through every day. I walk these streets and it hurts to know somebody is out there, and no one will tell on this person. That hurts so much," said Irvis.

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homicide, crimefighters, southwest philadelphia, philadelphia, local/state

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