Phoenix police reopen 11-year-old cold case

PHOENIX - Phoenix police are reopening a cold case after a new tip brought the case back to life.

22-year-old Justin Ayala was shot in the neck May 18th 2001. Ayala was driving in the area of 35th Avenue and Camelback Road when 10 shots were fired at the car he was riding in.

"Not knowing is the worst," said Justin's mother, Deena Ayala.  "I just want justice."

Police said Justin was headed to a graduation party.

"We believe he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Darren Burch.

Justin was paralyzed and died six months later. Two months ago, police received a new tip in the case. 

"It's not a tip that will lead us right to the suspect, but it is significant enough to take another look at the case," said Burch.

Police are offering a $1,000 reward for any information on the case.

If you have any information, you can call Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.

"I want to know," said Deena Ayala. "I don't understand why. I can't imagine because he didn't have any enemies."