Crime Fighters: $21,000 reward offered in shooting death of Alexander Martinez

TIOGA (WPVI) -- A grieving sister has turned her sorrow into a force for action.

"Alex was very creative. He was fun to be with. He loved to do hair and makeup. He liked to travel to New York with his friends," said Rosalind Pichardo, sister.

On Jan. 9, 2012, 22-year-old Alexander Martinez was out with a relative getting something to eat.

"Alex and my nephew were going to the Chinese store to pick up some dinner," said Pichardo.

Just after 11 p.m., they were in the area of Rising Sun and Hutchinson streets in Philadelphia's Tioga section.

"On the way there they were approached by two robbers, who attempted to take their stuff and instead they took my brother's life," said Pichardo.

Martinez was shot in the chest and killed. The nephew wasn't injured and was able to give a description of the suspects to police.

Police also have something else.

"They have a video, but the video is not very clear so it's hard to get a name to those faces," said Pichardo.

The City of Philadelphia is offering up to $20,000 in reward money and the Citizens Crime Commission is administering $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Anonymous calls can be made by calling 215-546-TIPS.

As for Martinez's family, they've started "Operation Save Our City" to cope with the loss.

"And since the death of my brother, we were able to help over 300 families, hand out flyers, do vigils, have grief support, so we do different things," said Pichardo.