John Edwards was 62 and a long‑time resident of Belmont who often sat in a blue chair outside his Prospect Avenue building, a familiar and steadying presence to neighbors and youth in the block. On the evening of July 4, he was sitting in that chair during a neighborhood celebration when a dark‑colored SUV pulled up and someone in the vehicle opened fire at about 10:30 p.m.

The shots were aimed at two men in their 20s; both were wounded and expected to recover. A stray bullet struck Edwards in the chest. Neighbors tried to help and paramedics took him to St. Barnabas Hospital, but the wound proved fatal and he was pronounced dead. A small vigil formed around his empty blue chair in the days afterward.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the SUV and investigators say the probe is ongoing, but no arrests have been announced. Does anyone who was in Belmont that night or who recognizes the vehicle seen on surveillance have information that could help bring justice for Mr. Edwards?