PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) - Nearly one year after the shooting death of UAPB student, Keith Wilbert Jr., Arkansas State Police announced they are getting involved. Prosecutor, Kyle Hunter, said the investigation needed a fresh set of eyes.
Both he, and the family are hopeful that with the state's help, Pine Bluff police can close this case.
"It's like a dream, it's like a dream. Is this actually still happening,” said Keith Wilbert Sr, who has never stopped fighting for justice for his son.
"You have a young man that was trying to do the right thing. Going to school, trying to get an education, and here it is, he's almost at the finish line and someone murders him,” the grieving father added.
A year ago Friday, Keith Wilbert Jr. was shot dead inside his off-campus house in what police originally called an armed-robbery. Wilbert was shot in the chest, but his four room mates were not harmed.
In January, a 19 year-old was arrested then released for the murder. In April, the family asked the Pine Bluff City Council to allow State Police to assist in the investigation after there was no movement for several months. On Wednesday, State Police announced they are assisting with the investigation.
"This case is unsolved and we really believe someone out there has some information; a tip, some sort of information or lead, that law enforcement can take to solve this crime,” said prosecuting Attorney Kyle Hunter.
He asked for the help of two State Police Special Agents.
"To look at the investigative file, to have a fresh set of eyes, to look at what was going on, because the leads were starting to dwindle,” Hunter said.
The Wilbert family said they have faith the State Police can help solve the case before it goes cold.
"I think they're doing an outstanding job, and I think that those people that are responsible for my son's death, they will be caught,” Wilbert said.
He does question why no one has taken up the family on the reward they are offering.
"$20,000 and no one has come up with anything. Not a word, nothing. Not even a whisper,” the father added.
That reward is still available to anyone with information that leads to a conviction. If you have any information on who may have killed Keith Wilbert Junior, contact Arkansas State Police at (501) 618-8100