Nine years later, Cedar Rapids murderer yet to be found

Nine years, still no arrest.

June 15th, 2008, someone shot and killed Aubrey Young near Redmond Park in Cedar Rapids. He was 35 years old leaving behind two kids. Police have yet to identify a suspect and file charges.

Aubrey Young's body was found lying face down between two parked cars with a bullet wound to the head. His family says the shooting came just as Aubrey Young was turning his life around. He was out of gangs and going to college.

"He was a hard-working person," said Aubrey Young's son, D'Andre Young. "He did have his problem with gangs. But, when I was born, he gave all that up."

D'Andre Young was nine when his father died. He and his brother had to grow up constantly wondering what happened to their dad and whether authorities could have closed the case if not for the 2008 flood.

Flood waters were reaching their apex when the homicide happened. Large parts of Cedar Rapids' downtown were underwater, stealing away headlines that would otherwise have gone to the shooting.

"Just because of the flood, that shouldn't be a reason why his case shouldn't have got solved," said D'Andre Young.

The shooting fell into the pile of Iowa's cold cases. Cedar Rapids Police told TV9 that doesn't mean authorities have given up.

"As with other cold case homicides," said the statement from police, "we have an investigator assigned to the case and we also have a retired DCI agent that works with active investigators on these cases."

The police said they're always interested in information. Despite a case's age, authorities said circumstances could change, and someone may now want to talk. Meanwhile, the family waits.

"All I do is pray," said Deborah Young, Aubrey Young's mother.

Deborah Young said each year she gets together with loved ones and holds a small memorial for her son. The group launches balloons in Aubrey Young's memory.

"It is frustrating, but what can we do?" said Deborah Young. "We try to pass the time away living life for him. Living life as he would live."

Police ask those with information to call 1-800-CS-CRIME. Callers can remain anonymous.