Halfway2sane

on christmas eve 2006, forty-seven year old robert edwards, his children and his fiance, attended a holiday celebration at an aunt’s home in the 8– block of n. 5th st. in allentown pennsylvania. there was about thirty relatives and friends that were there celebrating. robert was one of the last to leave, talkint to just about everyone before finally calling it a night just before 2a.m. he and his fiance stephanie, planned on wrapping gifts when they got home, which was only three blocks away. but tragically, he never made it home. he made it to 5th and washington street and as he was at that stop sign shots rang out. he was shot repeatedly through the closed car door. his fiance was sitting in the passenger seat but thankfully she escapted unscathed. being the loving, caring person robert was he had shielded her from harm with his body. it was 2a.m. but there were several people who were still on the sidewalks and out on their porchces enjoying the night. people passed along holiday wishes to their neighbors and relatives, while others staggered home from a night out drinking. it didn’t appear people around there were ready to sleep anytime soon there were definately enough people around to witness a murder, said his son robrt edward ii, however, no one seemed to see a thing.

robert spent most of his life counseling t-risk youths, coaching basketball and helping clean up his community. he was a teacher’s aide at kids peace and volunteered at the allentown boys and girls club.

william edwards said his late brother raised his children to strive in school and in life and he did not deserve the violent fate he met. he said, “it’s not fair, my brother gave back to the community.”

a family friend and dieruff high school basketball coach said robert was a generous youth mentor. two weeks before he was killed robert gave an inspiring lecture about lessons on commitmemt and hard work and loyalty. that’s what he stood for.

christmas remains painful for the family. robert ii refused to buy gifts or decorations. however, he does have part of his christmas tree that was in him home in 2006. a friend of his cut the tree and turned a piece of the wood into a plaque, with the phrase, “if you don’t stand for something, ou will fall for anything,” carved into it. this saying was something his father would tell his basketball players before their games.

the allentown police have released minimal information, only saying they do not believe the motive was drug related or a robbery.

if you have any information, please contact the allentown police department at 610-437-7751 or the anonymous tip line at 610-439-5911.