CONWAY, Arkansas — Just five days after he had celebrated his 50th birthday, Terry Credit of Conway was shot and killed.
Since his death in 2016, his family continues to honor his birthday. Every year, they have a balloon release and sing him happy birthday.
"Every time we get close to their birthdays, that's when it gets hard. That's when it hurts," said Charles Credit Jr., the brother of Terry Credit.
On August 17, 2016, the Conway Police Department got two calls of shots fired at the 400 block of East Robins Street.
It was 2:30 in the morning, and police searched the trailer home park for any suspicious activity.
Police found Credit shot and killed inside his home. The door was open and a white, plastic mask was found on the driveway.
Police recovered two shell casings and concluded that Terry had been shot twice.
"I feel like he was killed on my watch. I could walk to his trailer," said Charles Credit Jr. "He was maybe killed a block away from me, and the only reason he moved out there was because I was out there."
This year felt even heavier for the Credit family. Last month, Israel Credit, Terry's cousin was shot and killed in Conway. Three people were arrested in connection to his death.
Keyonte Banks and Montrell Simmons were both charged with first degree murder. Renwick Brown was charged with hindering apprehension.
"Was it worth it? That's the opportunity we want is to ask, 'Why? Was it worth it? What did Terry do to you for you to go to his house at 2:30 in the morning and take his life,'" said Victoria Credit-Rome, Terry's sister.
Conway police said that they are still actively looking for Terry Credit's killer.
As they investigate, the Credit family still honors Terry's legacy hoping for closure.
"My determination is to not stop until we get justice for my brother's life. We deserve that much," said Victoria Credit-Rome.