RICHMOND, Va. -- A heartbroken widow on a mission to help police solve her husband’s murder went back to the scene of the crime months later, searching for answers.
“I just want them to know he was a person and didn't deserve to die," Carmela McMurtray said.
Through her tears, she talked about her husband Lyle’s recent murder. His body was found in an SUV he was driving on May 31. Police detectives said the white Denali was parked near a light pole near Gilpin Court.
“He was suffering from multiple gunshot wound and died on scene," Sargent Rick Edwards explained to reporters. "At this point we are investigating it as a drug related homicide."
Carmela said she doesn’t know exactly what happened that night, and doesn’t know about his involvement in a drug deal. She described Lyle as someone who helped others.
“In Gloucester he did a lot with the homeless shelter. He helped raise money to get the shelter started. He was their best volunteer."
"He went to church,” she added.
Monday afternoon, the widow, pregnant now four months, drove from Gloucester to Gilpin court with flyers in hand and hope in her heart. She is determined to find answers.
She erected a memorial complete with a collage of pictures of her husband and her two children. Along with Richmond police detectives, the woman also went door to door spreading news about a $2,000 reward. Money raised through donations at GoFundMe.com.
“He was 23-years-old. We had our whole lives ahead of us. Someone stole it from him. He’s never going to see his baby,” Carmela said.
Now, she’s hoping her story will soften someone’s heart enough to give police new leads.
“Even if it's a small thing, let us be the judge of what's important and what's not. Just provide that information and help us bring some closure to this family,” Sargent Edwards said.
If you know anything about this crime. Contact Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
