Father of shooting victim begging witnesses to come forward

The father of a man who was shot and killed yesterday in northeast Austin is pleading for witnesses to come forward. Joshua Hardesty was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of the Heights on Parmer apartments.

As police continue their investigation into this deadly shooting a suspect has yet to be identified.

Read APD identifies victim in North Austin shooting

Both police and Hardesty's father, Clifford Hardesty are hoping someone will come forward with information. "I am begging for anybody because this happened at 3 o'clock in the afternoon in the middle of a parking lot, people know who did this, I’m begging for people to come out," said Clifford Hardesty. Hardesty said he wants to learn more about who killed his son and why. "For something like this to happen to him, I have no reason to understand why anybody would want to hurt him the he or they did," said Hardesty. 

APD believes it was a drug deal turned deadly.

"(Joshua Hardesty) had received traumatic trauma to his body," said Sergeant Eric De Los Santos with the APD homicide unit. The shooting happening in the middle of the afternoon while kids where returning home from school.

"There were several witnesses. Might note that they were rather apprehensive, they were scared obviously so the cooperation kind of varied out at the scene," said De Los Santos.

Despite the number of witnesses, the identity of the shooter is still unknown. "We are asking if anyone has any information or even video of this incident to contact us and they may contact us anonymously if they want," said De Los Santos.

Read Fatal shooting at Austin apartment happened as kids where returning from school

Hardesty's father says he is just looking for some closure in the wake of his son's death.

Right now police believe multiple people were involved.

Crime stoppers is offering a $1000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in this case.