Cortez Pickett, 25, was found dead from a gunshot wound at his home in Mount Vernon, Illinois, on August 30, 2015. Born October 25, 1989, in Centralia, Illinois, he was described as a devoted son, father, and brother who was much loved by family and friends.

The investigation led to the arrest of 24-year-old Dewayne Moore of Mount Vernon, who was charged with first-degree murder. Moore was tried on two counts of first-degree murder but in November 2016 a Jefferson County jury returned a not guilty verdict after just over two hours of deliberation. Moore remained in custody on unrelated felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

There are unresolved questions about what happened the morning Pickett was found and how the evidence was handled during the prosecution. If anyone knew Cortez or has information about his death, please come forward.