Local

Mother of man found murdered, wrapped in tarp in Garfield speaks out, pleads for answers

PITTSBURGH — Jeanne Gardner-Gusman is grieving the loss of her oldest son, Jerry Gardner, who was found shot to death and wrapped in a tarp in the woods in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood.

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“I’m trying to stay strong, I’m trying to get through this,” she told 11 News Friday, hours after getting into town from her home in Texas.

Gardner’s body was discovered Wednesday near Ardary Street.

“He didn’t deserve this, he didn’t deserve this. He didn’t. He didn’t. And to be shot in his back multiple times, he didn’t deserve this,” Gardner-Gusman said. “This is a cold individual that did this.”

Gardner-Gusman says her son was a good person, always ready to help, and a good father to his 8-year-old son.

“He loved his son dearly. His son was his world,” Gardner-Gusman said.

Gardner is also remembered in the local music scene for making a big impact as a rapper and producer.

“He had his own signature local on his songs. Everybody knew him as Tex-loc. If he wasn’t performing, he was in the studio creating beats that people wanted, they wanted that part on his song,” Gardner-Gusman said.

Pittsburgh Police are investigating Gardner’s death as a homicide but have not indicated who may be responsible — or a motive for the killing.

Gardner’s family is eager for answers.

“As long as I have breath, we’re going to find out the people that was responsible for this. They’re a threat to our community,” Gardner-Gusman said.

If you know anything that can help Pittsburgh Police in their investigation, you’re asked to give them a call.

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