In the early morning hours of January 22, 2016, the life of 23-year-old Eric Colbert was tragically cut short in a violent act that continues to trouble the Philadelphia community. A Black male, Colbert was discovered by Philadelphia Police officers around 2:19 a.m. on the 1900 block of Elston Street, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his face, head, and upper body.
Despite the immediate response of medical personnel, his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Eric Colbert, a resident of the 7100 block of North 19th Street, became another victim of the city's ongoing gun violence, his death leaving a family to grieve and a community in shock. The shooting, which shattered the quiet of the night, left investigators with a complex case to unravel. In the years that have followed, the motive behind the shooting remains elusive, and those responsible have yet to be brought to justice.
The investigation into Eric Colbert's murder is still active and ongoing. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the crime, and the case is considered an unsolved homicide. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to appeal to the public for any information that might provide a breakthrough in the case. Detectives urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, offering the possibility of anonymity to those who do. The hope remains that a crucial tip will emerge, finally providing answers and a measure of justice for Eric Colbert and his loved ones.
