Search for answers, two years after Brendon Mackey's death
CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT) - As most of us get ready to celebrate Independence Day, a Chesterfield family is marking a solemn anniversary.
It's been almost two years since Brendon Mackey was killed by a random bullet from celebratory gunfire. Investigators continue to look for the person who fired the fatal shot into the air.
Police believe the shot that killed Brendon Mackey was fired within a 7,100-foot radius of the little boy. They believe the shooting was an accident, but are again asking for that person to come forward.
"He was a happy little boy, liked to make everybody laugh and smile, and he was just very energetic," remembers his mom, Marie Harris.
Losing the 7-year-old was devastating to his family and -- coupled with the fact that his killer walks free -- it's almost too much to bear.
Explains Harris, "As time goes on and them not coming forward, I start to feel a little bit like... they have no remorse for what they did. And they should pay, because my son's not here anymore."
It was Fourth of July 2013 when Brendon and his dad had gone to Sunday Park to watch fireworks. But Brendon never got to see the show; police say he was struck by a random bullet from someone celebrating the holiday.
"You may not hear about this case every day, but it's something this department hears about every day. And our investigators are constantly searching for any leads and clues," explains Detective Chris Rizzuti with the Chesterfield Police Department.
In the days after the little boy's death, police went door-to-door, talking with residents within the Brandermill and Woodlake communities. Eight guns were tested to see if they matched the shell from that fatal shot, but none did.
Now the department is asking for the public's help once again.
"If you know you fired a gun that night and if you did, again, please come forward," pleads Detective Rizzuti.
Last year, "Brendon's Law" was put into effect, making it a felony if someone is injured during celebratory gun fire.
Harris feels the law has too many loopholes, but as we go into this holiday weekend, she asks that everyone is more careful, so they won't experience the pain she and her family have.
"I'm not against people owning guns," says Harris. "I think people have the right to own guns to protect their home and their family. But if you do own a gun, be more responsible."
Police in Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico and Colonial Heights tell NBC12 they have not charged anyone under "Brendon's Law."
If you know anything about this case, you're asked to call Crime Solvers at 748-0660. Family and friends have also put up additional reward money in this case.
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