WACO, TX — A family's call for justice has a powerful ally.
The loved ones of Justin Wayne Bibles asked their questions directly to the District Attorney for the first time since Bibles' 2018 murder.
"I'm calling to ask the DA to continue to investigate this case," said Justin's Mother Zada Bridgewater over the phone as she called the McLennan County District Attorney.
Change Waco and the family organized a call-in campaign to the DA's office and the Waco Police Department to urge both agencies to aggressively investigate the case and bring it back before the grand jury.
When District Attorney Barry Johnson saw a 25 News report last Friday, he reached out to 25 News Anchor Lindsay Liepman and agreed to sit down with the family to answer questions and join them in their call to action.
"I'm grateful to you Lindsay and Channel 25 for getting us together so we can get some interest and renew the intensity of the investigation," said DA Johnson.
Justin was a rising hip hop artist in Waco. His music is still played by 94.5 The Beat.
Often, DJ Precyse will text his mother Zada to let her know Justin's song is on the radio.
For the first time, Justin's family spoke with DA Johnson at the radio station Justin loved.
"It's a heinous murder that occurred in the parking lot of the Red Lobster in broad daylight. It was shocking to everyone. It's a case that needs to be solved," said DA Johnson.
The District Attorney took office after a grand jury declined to indict suspect Kenneth Smith in December of 2018.
"I just truly need some answers," said Zada.
"I'm glad we're here," said DA Johnson.
DA Johnson says new evidence is needed to bring the case back to the grand jury.
"Whoever's out there. Please. You know who you are. Please come forward. Be a human about this. Don't be that same coward that pulled that trigger because guess what, if you are silent you did it too," said Zada speaking directly to the camera.
"I would plead to the general public. Somebody. More than one probably should be able to come forward with information and if you have any information that took place in 2018, we would urge you to call the Waco Police Department and please give us that information so we can get this solved for the family," said DA Johnson.
The DA says there are 28 unsolved murders in Waco and McLennan County.
Twenty-eight families whose lives have been shattered by violence. Zada says the time to create change is now.
"I am speaking for their families today. Whether they be Black, white, Hispanic, Asian. Their deaths mattered," said Zada.
If you have any information about the murder of Justin Wayne Bibles or the driver of the white truck seen at the crime, contact Waco Police or Crimestoppers immediately at 254-753-HELP (4357).
