He was supposed to meet family for a birthday party In Jacksonville. He was found dead from a gunshot instead.

He was small in stature but resilient in business, sports and protecting his family. That description is precisely why Linton Walker’s family dubbed him “Man.”

On March 4, 2007, Walker was expected by his elder sister, Gina Byrd, at her daughter’s. However, Walker never showed up, which raised concerns because that was out of character for the 32-year-old resident of Jacksonville, Florida.

Later that day, Walker’s body was found on a sidewalk nearby Lenox Court apartments along the 5700 Block of Lenox Avenue.

He was reported to have died due to a gunshot wound.

According to Project Cold Case, Byrd told investigators she spoke to her brother the night before the incident. Byrd invited Walker and his family over for a cookout. She could not understand the reason for his absence after many hours had passed. Then, Bryd called his phone, but Walker never answered. Next, she called Walker’s girlfriend and his best friend to ask if they knew his whereabouts. However, no one had seen or heard from him.

Walker, who had been a Jordan Brand Ambassador, attended a business meeting earlier in the day before his demise.

To date, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office still has not made an arrest in connection to the case.

The victim’s family described Walker as a loving person with an infectious connection to people. As a result, he was loved by many people, which was evident at his funeral, packed with his friends, family, and acquaintances.

Byrd is currently helping other families who had suffered the same fate while working on her doctorate in therapeutic studies.

Anyone with information about this case, please contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. Also, anyone who wishes to remain anonymous is eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 at Crime Stoppers by contacting (866) 845-TIPS.