He defended his nation overseas, but it was back here on the home front where a former Marine, 23-year-old Andrew Zachary, would lose his life.
"He loved Baltimore. He loved his family, and it was really tragic---literally just walking to the store... survived service to his country as a Marine and to get taken from us in the streets of Baltimore is just heartbreaking," said Zachary’s uncle, Otis Rolley.
It was 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, when Zachary traveled to visit a friend in an area that at times may resemble a war zone---the Brooklyn Homes public housing complex.
"The friend's mother said she needed a money order,” recounted Rolley, “Andrew said, 'Oh, I'll get it for you', cause that's the kind of guy he was and sadly that was the last time he was able to do anybody a favor."
As Zachary passed through the 800 block of Clintwood Court, he was confronted by a group of men.
"They asked him what he was doing in the area,” said Det. Donny Moses of the Baltimore City Police Department, “He stated, 'This is a free country. I've served my country. What's the problem?' The guys around him became enraged and ultimately shot and killed him."
The killers also apparently took the time to rob Zachary of the cash for the money order before leaving him to die.
"I am just so prayerful that someone who saw something, because we know someone saw something, for them to have the courage to come forward,” said Rolley, “and we've been able to put together a little reward, but obviously, it's not about the money, it's about really trying to bring some closure and some justice."
If you have any information, which could help police, you can call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.
You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
