Shooter still not identified in Edingburg’s death

Staff Report

A year after the death of Eastern student Byron Edingburg, the  shooter still has yet to be identified, according to a press release sent out by the Charleston Police Department this morning.

At 2:28 a.m. on April 22, 2017, Edingburg was shot when trying to break up a fight that occurred in the backyard of 1061 7th Street during a house party.

“Information gathered from this investigation shows that there were a number of people present when the shot occurred,” the press release states. “Some have been identified and spoken with, but many remain unknown.”

According to the release, the CPD is continuing to investigate Edingburg’s death.

Charleston Detective Tony West said the CPD’s belief is that the shooter is probably not someone who is from the Charleston area, or anyone affiliated or Eastern.

“We’re still following up with some leads, there are still some people we need to try to find and reach out to to see what, if anything, they can shed some light on,” West said. “The bottom line is we don’t have people coming to us.”

Because of this, police are trying to find and identify everyone they can who was at the party that night. So far, they have talked to more than 50 people as part of their investigation.

Anywhere from 200-400 people are speculated to be at the party, West said.

Police are also keeping in contact with Edingburg’s mother, who lives in Chicago.

“I’ll continue to have contact with her, keep her informed on the status of the case,” West said. “Unfortunately, (its) kind of stagnant, there’s not a lot of new information coming in.”

Investigations like these can take anywhere from three days to three years, though West said he hopes this is not the case with this one.

“(It’s) the one year mark now. Hopefully, we get a resolution soon,” he said.

The family shared this with police regarding Edingburg:

“Among his family and friends, Byron was known as the great debater, big brother to a host of cousins, always supportive and kind-hearted Byron was always willing to help,” it said in the press release. “Byron is the guy that will stop to help a stranger, remove road kill out of the street, and a man who adopted an abandonded sick kitten and name her Addison, after a street in Wrigleyville. Byron was a huge Cubs fan.”

The CPD are asking those with information on the shooting to reach out to them at 217-348-5221 or its Facebook Page. Tips can be also be sent to Coles Crime Stoppers.

This story will be updated.

The News desk can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]