Family calls for justice after fatal Hunting Park shooting

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Loved ones stood together in grief, singing, dancing and sharing memories as they honored Sharef Holman's life in Hunting Park on Saturday. They're also calling for justice.

The balloon release was near West Hunting Park Avenue, where Philadelphia police say Holman was shot and killed by a man who remains at large.

Many attendees wore shirts printed with Holman's face and his nickname, Big Redd, a reference to his affection for the literary character Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Holman's friend Darryl Roberts Sr. described him as a source of joy.

"I called him my personal comedian. I loved to see him dress. I loved to see him dance," he said. "He was a phenomenal young man."

Philadelphia police say Holman was shot in the back near the 1200 block of West Hunting Park Avenue in Hunting Park on June 26.

His mother said, "He was fighting for his life," but he did not survive.

Investigators are searching for 21-year-old Jahylin Melchur, who they say is wanted not only in Holman's killing, but also in the murder of a 45-year-old Martin Higgins and the critical injury of a 55-year-old man in separate incidents.

Detectives say both crimes occurred at night in the same area, and they are working to determine a motive.

"You hear about it on the news, you see it on social media, but you don't really know until it hits home. And for this to hit home and for it to be Sharef is mind-blowing," said Roberts.

Holman's family says they do not know whether he knew the suspect, but they hope Melchur turns himself in.

"That will help ease some of the pain for this family. It won't take it away, but it will ease that we know you're not still out there with whomever else could be next. We don't want there to be a next."

Police say Melchur is armed and dangerous and want to take him into custody as soon as possible.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or tips to contact Philadelphia police.