Matt Novak Murder: Family Still Seeks Justice for Murder After 2008 Puerto Rican Day Parade

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A large reward is still being offered in hopes that someone will come forward with information about a murder following the Puerto Rican Day Parade in 2008.

Matt Novak Sr. says 16 years is long enough. It’s time to bring his son’s murderers to justice.

“I can’t believe these guys are still running through the streets. I have to tell you, I get angrier and angrier every time this time of year,” he said.

On Sunday, September 28, 2008, 24-year-old Matthew Novak and two friends were on their way home from Philadelphia’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade when their car broke down at 6th and Green Streets in Northern Liberties.

Surveillance video shows a blue Chevy Impala with three men pulling up to help.

Novak got in the car with them and they drove to 13th and Fairmount. When Novak got out of the car, they shot him in the leg. He later died in hospital.

The blue Chevy had New Jersey tags, but the license plate is difficult to read.

“I would just want someone to come forward,” Novak said.

The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $45,000 reward for the arrest and information of the person responsible. All you have to do is call 215-546-TIPS (8477). All calls remain anonymous.

Novak says the sudden loss of his son still haunts him.

“We were very close. We were friends,” he said. “I miss that a lot. I really do.”