Police investigating Wednesday slaying
by naomi martin
Advocate staff writer
August 17, 2012
Police were following up on several leads Friday in their investigation into the slaying of a 35-year-old father of two outside his home Wednesday night, a police spokesman said.
Police spokesman Cpl. L’Jean McKneely said the victim, Derrick Alexander, 35, died just before 9 p.m. after being shot multiple times in the street outside his home at 5315 Ritterman Ave.
Family members said Alexander shared the home with his mother.
Police have not released a motive or suspect in the shooting.
A neighbor, Natasha Lawson, said she was lying in bed when she heard about nine gunshots.
“I never expected it to be him,” she said. “He was so quiet. He used to sit outside on the porch.
“You don’t have no problems out of him at all.”
Family members and friends gathered at Alexander’s home Thursday to mourn.
“I really can’t believe it,” said Alexander’s older brother, Gerald Alexander, 38.
He said his brother, who had a 14-year-old son and a 16-year-old son, made a living installing audio systems and repairing cars.
“I want the world to know I love my brother,” Gerald Alexander said. “I’m really sad. I can’t think right right now.”
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Violent Crimes Unit at (225) 389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7864.