In the early hours of August 20, 2020, Earle Foster, 52, was found in the courtyard of the Maple Tree Apartments in East Patchogue, New York, with a fatal gunshot wound. Police responded to a 911 call at about 3:05 a.m.; Foster was pronounced dead at the scene. He was born in Patchogue on November 8, 1968, the youngest of thirteen children, a father of three and a grandfather of two. Known as Brown Brother, he worked in retail, construction and real estate and was described by family as strong, intelligent and loyal.

The investigation continued for months. In November 2020 Suffolk County police arrested two people from Mastic — Brooke Jackson, 41, and Umar A. El-Quhir Sr., 43 — charging both with second-degree murder; they were held at separate precincts and scheduled for arraignment at the First District Court in Central Islip. Does anyone have information about Foster’s last known movements or who might be able to help the investigation?