Family of Marquette Dames demands answers in killing

TAMPA (FOX 13) - On the anniversary of his death, the family of Marquette Dames, killed at just 24 years old, gathered several feet from where he was shot to plead for information that leads to an arrest.

Dames was found shot outside the Checkers at 15th and Fowler on July 6, 2016. His family held a vigil there Thursday night.

"Twenty-four hours, just constantly thinking about my kid," said his mother, Elizabeth Wilson. "What happened? What went wrong?"

They believe someone will finally come forward to identify a man seen on surveillance video riding away from the scene on a bicycle. Police have recovered the bike.

"Think about it -- If it was your child, what would you do?" asked his father, Tony Wilson. "Try to think about how we feel."

Whoever did it has, for now, escaped punishment.

"We really don't know what happened," continued Elizabeth. "All we know is he got shot, he got killed. He left us. That's all we know."

Tampa police hope the anniversary is an occasion for the entire city to take another look at this video, showing who they believe is the shooter, riding away from the Checkers.

Detectives say thus far they've collected ballistics and witness statements.

"What we really need is a name," said Detective Rachel Cholnik. "Nothing has led us to the individual's identity."

Elizabeth says she barely eats or sleeps. Tony says he tries not to think about it. A year later, the pain is made worse knowing the killer is out there.

"You did the crime, be a man and do the time, you pulled the trigger," Elizabeth added.

Police remind everyone there is a cash reward for anyone who has information on whoever was on that bicycle.