Monday, March 29, 2010

Craig's Story - Cold Case Homicide in West Asheville,NC

Craig Valentine was my only son and my best friend. He was everything to me. I took care of my big teddy bear. Craig was fun loving and loved his family. He never knew a stranger and was a friend to all. He left behind two beautiful children, who loved him very much. Unfortunately, Craig will not get to see his children grow up, his daughter marry or his son become a man. God gave me a unique wonderful son and I miss him. Craig was murder the day after my birthday party. It was a birthday that I will always remember. He was shot in his vehicle on Michigan Avenue, West Asheville, NC on April 29, 2007 at 904 pm. At 930 pm, my cousin called me and told me that Craig had been shot. I couldn't believe it and started calling his cell phone. I knew something was wrong when he didn't answer, so I called my brother and told him that something had happened to Craig. My brother, sister in law and their son came to my house. My brother called the police department and they told him to stay at the house, that somebody would be there soon. Sister Carmen Cruz and two female police officers came to my house and told me that Craig had been murdered. It was the worst moment of my life. Craig was shot in a very busy neighborhood, somebody saw or heard something. Yet, nobody has come forward. I would like the Asheville Police Department to find out who did this to my son. For them to find out WHY this happened to Craig. And they can't do it without somebody in the public to come forward. Families Pursuing Justice was brought together to help me and other families like me to work towards keeping my son and their family members in the publics mind. I have not forgotten that night and I know that there are people that haven't forgotten it either.  If you heard or see anything, please contact the Asheville Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit at 828-259-5923 or call Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050 or by email to apdmailto:apdtips@ashevillenc.gov.

Families Pursuing Justice in Asheville and WNC


Families Pursuing Justice is a non profit 501c3 that was formed by a combination of family members of ‘cold case’ homicide victims, police detectives, social workers, family and friends. We are based in the community of Asheville North Carolina.