Edwin Cartagena

Edwin Cartagena, known affectionately to his loved ones as "Magoo," was a 32-year-old father of three remembered for his funny, precious personality and a smile that his family said was "everything." A Hispanic man living in Philadelphia, he was a brother and a son, part of a family fabric that was torn apart by sudden violence on a late summer afternoon. His life was rooted in his community, but it was on the very block he called home that his future was stolen from him and his children, including his daughter, Nani.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, the Fairhill-Kensington neighborhood was bustling with the usual late-afternoon activity. At around 5:22 p.m., Edwin was standing outside near the front of his house on the 2900 block of North Howard Street, looking at his cellphone. An unknown man, described by police only as having a medium build and wearing a white shirt, walked up to him. Without a word being exchanged, the man pulled out a gun and shot Edwin several times. The assailant then fled on foot, heading north on Howard Street and disappearing. The brazen attack shattered the day's peace and marked the beginning of a violent 24-hour period in Philadelphia, which saw multiple homicides across the city.

In the immediate chaos following the gunfire, a Verizon worker who was driving his truck nearby witnessed the horrific event. Seeing Edwin grievously wounded, the driver acted with remarkable urgency. Instead of waiting for an ambulance to arrive, he rushed Edwin to his vehicle and drove him directly to Temple University Hospital's Episcopal Campus. This selfless act provided a chance, a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation. However, despite the quick transport and the efforts of the medical team, the damage was too severe. Edwin Cartagena died from his injuries at the hospital that evening.

The Philadelphia Police Department's 25th District began a homicide investigation immediately. Detectives canvassed the area for witnesses and evidence, trying to piece together the moments that led to the fatal encounter. While a definitive motive has never been publicly confirmed, investigators stated they believed the shooting may have been narcotics-related. This theory, however, has not led to a breakthrough in the case. The description of the shooter remains minimal, and no weapon was recovered at the scene. In the years since Edwin's death, the investigation has remained active but has yielded no arrests, leaving his killer's identity a mystery.

The loss of Edwin left a permanent void in the lives of his family and friends. In the digital space, loved ones have lit hundreds of virtual candles in his memory, a testament to the man he was and the impact he had. The messages left are brief but filled with pain and love. "Rest In Peace my brother !!" one person wrote. Another simply posted, "Fly high." These tributes, along with the memory of his smile, paint a portrait of a man cherished by many, whose sudden absence created a wound that has yet to heal. His death was a personal tragedy for his family and a stark reminder of the gun violence epidemic plaguing the city's streets.

Years have passed, but the case of Edwin Cartagena's murder remains unsolved. For his children and the rest of his family, there has been no justice and no closure. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to ask for the public's assistance, believing that someone in the community holds the key to solving the crime. Even a small, seemingly insignificant detail could be the piece of information that allows detectives to finally move forward. The case remains open, a painful file among the city's many unsolved homicides. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.