Family of slain valley man makes emothional plea for justice

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The family of a man who was gunned down in a valley neighborhood is making a public plea in hopes of bringing the killer to justice.

"There's many of us that lost a special part in our heart because Andrew's gone," said Jesse Villasaez, Andrew's father-in-law.

Known for his infectious smile and gracious heart.

"I have a 1-year-old and he'll probably only realize daddy from a picture and not really realize him in person," said Desirea Villasaez, Andrew's fiance.

The family of Andrew Barela still struggles to come to terms with a loss that's dramatically changed their lives.

"He helped me grow, he helped me to become the person that I am, and I still have so many questions that I never got to ask him," said David, Andrew's step-son.

It's been over a week since the candles, the mementos and the vigil that brought together Andrew's family and friends.

"This is just a tragedy to our family, somebody that's so close to us," said Rita Villasaez, Andrew's sister-in-law.

Police say the 28-year-old was walking home near 45th Avenue and Weldon last Tuesday night when a man pulled up in a red Mustang and shot him three times.

The killer drove away and didn't leave behind any clues, making a case that's difficult to solve without someone coming forward.

"It's going to be hard for us to bury him and watch him go into the ground, when this should have never happened," Rita Villasaez said.

But now, police are hoping a $1,000 reward, along with the pleas from Andrew's mourning family will sway anyone who knows anything to help put Andrew's killer behind bars.

"He was just a great man, he was a great person," said David, Andrew's step-son. "No one was better to him than me, no one was."

Police are still looking for whoever was driving a red, hardtop Ford Mustang that may possible be a model year '94 or '95. The paint is also peeling off the roof and trunk.

If you have any information, please call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.