Kevin Franchow was shot and killed on July 26, 2009 at Ansan Sister City Park near Buffalo and Alta. Although he was 38, homicide detectives said he had the mental capacity of a 10-year-old. Franchow was also partially deaf and blind.
"He wasn't on the phone, he didn't have any money," said Detective Brian Kowalski.
Detective Kowalski was one of the first on scene on that Sunday night.
He says Franchow was walking in the park at night because his skin was sensitive to the sun.
"One of the few joys he had in his day was to go out when the sun went down and walk through the park," said Detective Kowalski.
Around 12:25 a.m., two men robbed and assaulted a woman at gunpoint. As the suspects walked away, they saw Franchow walking in the park. For no apparent reason, police say one of the suspects shot and killed him.
Police believe a third suspect was nearby in a getaway car.
Detective Kowalski is taking over this case. He shared heartbreaking pictures of the crime scene including the victim's glasses and hearing aid. Police hope someone will come forward with information.
"Usually when something like this occurs, a girlfriend knows, a mother knows, a brother knows, people don't do things like this and not talk about it," he said.
Franchow was adopted.
His family didn't want to comment on the case. 13 Action News tracked down one of his neighbors.
"We were at home that night," she said, "we heard the sirens."
Although many years have passed, this neighbor always tried to keep Franchow's memory alive.
"There was always Kevin, trotting down the street," she said, "...very simple, quiet, sweet young man."
If you have any information on this case, you can call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's homicide hotline at (702) 828-3521.
