Matthew Novak

Matthew Novak, a 24-year-old from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, was known to his family as "Little Matt," a beloved son who was close friends with his father, "Big Matt." He was remembered as a kind person with no known enemies, making his sudden and violent death a mystery that has haunted his loved ones for years. His family, including his parents, Matt Sr. and Cindi, and his cousin, Gloucester Township Police Detective Chuck Dougherty, have worked tirelessly to ensure his case is not forgotten.

On the evening of Sunday, September 28, 2008, Matthew and two friends were heading home after attending the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philadelphia. Their journey was interrupted when their car broke down at 6th and Green Streets in the city's Northern Liberties neighborhood. As the friends tried to call for assistance, a dark blue or black Chevrolet Impala with tinted windows and New Jersey license plates pulled over. Three African-American men were inside. Matthew approached their car, spoke with them, and then told his friends he was going with the men to get jumper cables.

Matthew got into the front passenger seat of the Impala, which then drove away. About five minutes later, the car stopped near the intersection of 13th Street and Fairmount Avenue. As Matthew was getting out of the vehicle, one of the occupants, who had been in the back seat with him, shot him once in the hip or leg. The suspects immediately fled the scene in the Impala. A bleeding Matthew managed to run across the street before collapsing.

Philadelphia Homicide Detective Brian Peters, who happened to be passing by, was one of the first to reach Matthew. Before being rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital, Matthew was able to tell the detective what had happened, describing the men and their car. At the hospital, doctors worked to save him, but the bleeding could not be stopped. Matthew Novak was pronounced dead at 9:45 p.m. His parents arrived at the hospital but did not get a chance to speak with their son. Investigators found that none of Matthew's personal belongings had been taken, deepening the mystery surrounding the motive for the shooting.

The Philadelphia Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Detectives recovered surveillance video that captured images of the dark Chevy Impala, but the license plate was not clear enough to be read, even with enhancement technology. The case stalled due to a lack of new leads, but Matthew's family refused to give up hope. His cousin, Detective Dougherty, began working with Philadelphia detectives, created a MySpace page, and posted the surveillance video on YouTube under the username "WhoKilledMattNovak" to generate tips.

Over the years, the Novak family has repeatedly made public pleas for information, sharing their pain and frustration. "I can't believe these guys are still running around the streets," his father, Matt Novak Sr., has said. "I get angrier and angrier every time this time of the year... We were very close. We were friends. I miss that a lot, I really do." The family has also worked to raise money to increase the reward for information.

As of September 2024, the murder of Matthew Novak remains unsolved. The case is a painful cold case for the Philadelphia Police Department and a source of unending grief for his family. They continue to hope that someone's conscience, or the significant financial incentive, will compel them to come forward. The Citizens Crime Commission is administering a reward of up to $45,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the men responsible. Anyone with information is urged to call the anonymous tip line at 215-546-TIPS (8477).