PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) - Reverend Keith Wilbert begged Pine Bluff City Council to do more Monday night. Not just more to find who killed his son, but more to solve the crime plaguing the Pine Bluff community.
"Keith Edwin Wilbert Junior was murdered at his home on September the 23rd, 2015. He was a Junior student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff," said the Reverend before City Council.
According to police, three suspects wearing bandanas forced their way into this house on Boone Street, demanding money before shooting and killing Wilbert.
"As of today, his murderer remains at-large, free to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, while my family and I continue to deal with this tragic loss."
The grieving father asked the council to call in outside law enforcement agencies to find his son's killers.
"It is time for change. It is time for accountability. And it is time for justice for my son, Keith Edwin Wilbert Junior."
Reverend Wilbert also called for changes to the way UAPB and the city work to protect students.
"What measures do you have in place to prevent this type of unnecessary violence in this city, if students cannot attend UAPB and live, and work, and play safely in their environment? Then maybe it's time to reevaluate its role in the community."
The man told the crowd he never expected he'd be the father of a murder victim speaking before them.
"Instead of getting a college degree, he ended up in a casket. I actually sent my son to the lion's den."
The problem, the Reverend added, spreads far beyond campus.
"Do you live in a community that is so numb to violence, that the murder of an innocent college student does not cause concern?"
Family members, and Rev. Benny Johnson closed the presentation by begging the community to come forward with any information they may have. Rev. Johnson said anyone with information is welcome to report it to the "Arkansas Stop The Violence" Facebook page.
Tisha Arnold, UAPB media representative, said, "The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) students, faculty, administrators and staff continue to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Keith Wilbert, Jr. Safety continues to remain a high priority on our campus and the UAPB Public Safety Department is cooperating fully with the Pine Bluff Police Department. Although the incident occured off-campus, we share Mr. Wilbert's family's desire to see those responsible apprehended and brought to justice."
The Pine Bluff Police Department said they are actively investigating every lead.
