Family of man gunned down at house party makes tearful plea for help

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It's been one year since a 19-year-old was gunned down outside a house party in Glendale. On Thursday, the 19-year-old's family made a tearful plea for help in finding his killer.

January 7, 2017 was a day that changed the Huerta family's lives forever.

"It's just been heartache without him," said Brandon Escobar, a friend of Erick Ordonez Huerta. Erick was leaving a party near 45th Avenue and Bethany Home Road when he was shot and killed.

Police believe the shooter was someone who had been kicked out of the party earlier that night, and out for revenge. Erick was an innocent bystander, caught in the gunfire.

"My brother was an incredible person," said Rachel Ordonez Huerta, Erick's sister. "I don't understand why someone would do this to him."

Friends and family say Erick graduated high school with honors. They say he was a good kidm, a role model, and someone they feel lucky to have known.

"He made the world a better place. He made me a better person. He made everyone he knew a better person," said Escobar.

It's believed the shooter drove off in a gray SUV. Witnesses say he was wearing a red baseball hat.

"We're just waiting for someone to at least see or speak out whatever they saw," said Rachel. "Anything, anything that will help us find justice for my brother."

"It's time for justice," said Escobar. "It's been a year. It's time for justice."

Police are asking anyone with information to call Glendale Police, or leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).