On March 27, 2012, 23-year-old Rodney Watkins of Cincinnati was fatally shot while filling his car’s tires at the Marathon station on West Mitchell Avenue in Avondale just before 11 p.m. Watkins was struck three times in the back; he tried to flee but crashed in front of a nearby White Castle and was taken to University Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

Police initially arrested 27-year-old Eric Williams and charged him with murder, but Williams provided an alibi that was corroborated and the charges were dropped. The killing remains unsolved. Watkins’ mother, Rochelle Blackshear, has been outspoken in seeking justice; she says Watkins had a son born 30 days after his death and has participated in Mothers With Murdered Children to cope and advocate against gun violence.

Vigils and memorials have been held over the years and community members have joined the family’s calls for answers. If anyone saw Watkins at the Marathon station that night or has information that could help resolve this case, please come forward.