COLUMBIA, S.C. — One Columbia family is asking for your help to find answers after their loved one was found dead in Sumter back in February.
It's hard to put into words what it's like losing a son, brother, and friend. Officials say Raphel Bostic was found shot and killed in Sumter back in February.
Ryan Green lost his best friend.
"Whenever I needed him to come through for me, all I had to do was pick up the phone and he was coming no matter what," said Green.
Kourtney Bostic says her brother put everyone above himself.
"My brother had a big heart for everybody, for myself, my mom, and his best friend,” explained Kourtney.
Kourtney says Raphel would go out of his way to take care of someone or cover for them if they were in a bind.
Bostic’s family and friends say they will miss their daily phone calls together the most.
Bostic's Mother, Antionette, says it's hard to understand why anyone would have done this to him.
“It's such a horrific loss for our family and friends,” said Antionette, “He didn't deserve to have to leave the way that he did. We want someone to come forth who knows anything about what happened to my son."
The family is now offering a $5,000 award for anyone who can help bring them closure.
While no arrests have been made, the Sumter Police Department says they are looking for Matthew Tyrell Simmons, who they believe may have more information on the case. According to police, he was the last known person to be seen with Bostic before he died. Sumter Police says he is 27-years-old and is from Sumter.
The two men were friends, according to Bostic’s family. Simmons is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 160 lbs. and has brown eyes and hair.
"You would want the same justice for your family. If the shoe was on the other foot, right or wrong, I would convince or try to convince my brother to turn himself in," said Kourtney.
If you have any information that could help this family find closure, you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-Crime-SC or the Sumter Police Department.