Mother fights for answers after her son was killed in a drive-by shooting in Laveen 8 years ago

LAVEEN, Arizona. – Eight years ago, Joan Sanders lost her son Maurice, who was shot in a drive-by shooting in Laveen.

Since then, she has been waiting for justice for her son as Phoenix police have made no arrests.

“It was really hard for all of us,” Sanders said. “It was really hard. For me, it was very emotional because I don't know who did it.”

What happened?

On August 16, 2016, Maurice Sanders picked up friends and family near the intersection of 51st Avenue and Southern in Laveen.

At around 10:40 p.m., the suspect is described as a black man with a round face. He was in a silver or gray Suburban when he fired several shots at the car in which Sanders was sitting.

“My son was sitting in the front seat of his car and they fired 13 shots and only one hit him,” she said.

He was shot in the lower back and did not survive.

“I want everyone to know that we have not forgotten,” she says. “That I will not be forgotten and that we will get justice.”

The 29-year-old leaves behind 5 children.

“He loved every one of his children. He was just a good uncle, a good brother, a good son. He was the best and I miss him like crazy,” Sanders said.

She hopes that anyone who knows more about the night her son was killed will come forward.

“I will continue to do this until I leave this world, but I have family members who will continue to do this because he deserves justice. He was innocent,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.