ASCENSION PARISH - Today is Roman Jackson's birthday, and although he is gone, his parents remember their son as a fun-loving young man.

“Happy birthday, Roman. 32 years old. I really miss you,” said Freddie Jackson Sr, Roman’s father. “I think about you all the time, and I say ‘I wonder what kind of person you'd be now’,” he continued.

Back in January 2003, at just 17 years old, Roman was shot and killed in the driver's seat of his car as he returned his girlfriend home.

His mother remembers the tragic night all too well.

“They had a rope. The yellow rope. They said ‘who is she’ I heard them say. ‘That's the momma. Oh, you can't go. You can't go where he's at’,” she remembered. “Before I knew it, I was under the rope at the car, and they grabbed me (and) said don't touch him,” she continued.

Although investigators initially worked to quickly identify his killer, the case ultimately went cold.

Authorities say they believe they have interviewed the person responsible for this crime, but they need just one more piece to crack this case wide open.

Over the years, tips have occasionally come in, even sending investigators all the way to Arkansas. Through all of their detective work, authorities believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, and that Roman's killer is from the Ascension Parish area.

Although years have gone by, his parents still hope to find out who killed their baby boy.

“My only concern is I would like to see that before I go. I would just love to know why would you shoot, kill a young man like that,” said Freddie.

In the meantime, while they wait on the wheels of justice to turn, the Jackson's have plenty to remember of the young man who was loved by so many.