Troy father searching for answers in son's cold case murder

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- It's been two years since Zaccai James, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed in Troy. His father, Glen James, is asking the public for help as police continue to investigate a handful of open-homicide cases, just like this one in the city.

Glen said when he first got the call about his son two years ago, he was sitting at home.

"And I don't know I just panicked, because that's my baby boy," said Glen. "The past couple years have been like a nightmare, no sleep, constant thoughts, wishing he was still here."

The crime happened around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2022 at 151 Sixth Ave in Troy. Police said they found Zaccai suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Glen said although two years have gone by, it feels like yesterday.

“I'm rubbing his leg and asking him to breathe, to stay with me, and they pronounced him dead," said Glen.

According to Troy police, this case is one of 20 open-homicide cases.

“We have upwards of about 20 open homicides from the early '80s and each one has a detective and each one is investigated as new technologies come forward or certainly new information comes forward," said Officer Steven Barker, Troy Police Department's public information officer.

Officer Barker said they have no leads in the Zaccai James case, but they are confident that the community knows something.

“The detectives have made significant progress but they’re not all the way there. We’re certain that someone knows something," said Officer Barker.

For cold cases like this one, Troy police work with the Russell Sage College Criminal Investigation Resource Center. This partnership helps bring new perspective on various cases. Dr. Christina Lane, the co-founder and director of the center said they have not been assigned to work on the Zaccai James case yet specifically, but they're very familiar with other open-homicides.

“Organization is key," Dr. Lane said. "We guide the students through organization of these cases to make it more effective and give a narrative display of the case."

With the help of the community, Troy police said they never truly close an investigation.

"Our work, the community's work, is all about the family member and offering them some comfort, some justice, it doesn't bring that individual back, but hopefully it can assist with the grieving process," said Officer Barker.

Glen, like many other families who are suffering, just want justice.

“I’m hoping that someone will come forward," said Glen. "Someone will give some insight as to what happened, who the perpetrators are."