Phoenix police searching for clues in man’s 2016 murder case

This story originally appeared Oct. 17, 2016.

You probably would’ve liked Melvin Grayson.

“If you met my brother you would immediately smile,” said his sister, Melonie. “He was very polite and he could make anyone laugh.”

The family grew up in Buckeye and that’s where Grayson liked to hang out.

His motto was “no excuses.” The 29-year-old was a hard worker and had just started a career in the auto business with the goal of being his own boss.

Grayson was fascinated with black Egyptian culture and history and had begun using the nickname “Sire.” He also liked to play basketball and take care of his aquariums.

“He had these salt water fish tanks with really nice fish,” his sister said.

But No. 1 in his life was his 5-year-old son. The two were very close.

On Sept. 13, 2016, Phoenix police were asked by his family to check on Grayson at his apartment near 61st Avenue and Thomas Road.

“Officers found Melvin suffering from injuries that he sustained and he was pronounced (dead) on scene by the Phoenix Fire Department,” Detective Robert Diventi said.

Police have nothing but a bit of forensic evidence from the scene and it can take time to get results from the crime lab.

But Sgt. Jamie Rothschild is hoping the anonymity of Silent Witness will bring in the information investigators need to solve this case.

“(About) 8:30 [p.m.] is not very late and we know there were a lot of people out,” he said. “A lot of people and businesses in the area have cameras or maybe they’re out taping stuff with their phones.”

Melonie said her brother will be remembered for his kind heart and graciousness.

“He was cool, he was very laid-back and wasn’t judgmental.”

Read more about this case here.

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