A large crowd gathered Thursday evening for a wake for the Perth Amboy native shot and killed on Saturday in Bronx, N.Y.
PERTH AMBOY -- The father of 17-year-old Elwin Coste, the Perth Amboy native who was shot and killed in the Bronx, N.Y. early Saturday morning, said the family is offering a $1,000 reward for any information on the person or persons responsible for his son's death.
Elwin Coste, 17, formerly of Perth Amboy, who was killed Saturday in N.Y. "I just want justice for my son," said Elwin's father, Edwin Coste, 36, of Hamilton, at a wake held for his son Thursday evening at the Gustav J. Nokav Funeral Home on Barclay Street.
A large crowd of what seemed like at least 200 people gathered at the wake with nearly everyone dressed in pristine white clothing, representing Elwin's favorite color.
"He used to say that wearing white was godly, said Edwin Coste, sitting in a chair in a small office at the funeral home. "He used to say that all the time, so we decided to go all white."
Family and friends from all of New Jersey came to pay their respects.
Edwin Coste's daughter, Daniela Salcedo, 20, of Hamilton, was sitting on a couch behind her father.
Salcedo and her father both expressed shock at the incident, emphasizing that Elwin was never one to get into trouble.
"It is all so surreal," Edwin Coste said.
Inside the room where Elwin was laying in a casket, people were hugging, crying, and trying to cope with the shock of the death.
Elwin and a friend were struck by a hail of bullets around 3 a.m. on Saturday after the two left Elwin's grandfather's residence on Tiffany Street near East 165th Street in Foxhurst, Bronx, N.Y. Elwin had gone to visit his grandfather because he was sick, according to previous reports.
Elwin had moved about nine years ago from Perth Amboy to live with his father in Hamilton. Elwin's mother lives in Harrisburg, Pa. and Elwin had been visiting with her since Memorial Day weekend, according to the father.
Elwin died later at a hospital. His friend, who was not identified, was left in critical condition, according to previous reports.
Edwin said he just wants answers. He said the New York City detectives tasked with the investigation had been very responsive, continually providing him up-to-date information.
"I spoke to the detectives yesterday, and they said they are on top of it," he said with a feeling of security that justice would ultimately arrive.
Family members, including Elwin's older brother, spoke at the wake.
The line of people waiting to pay their respects at Elwin's casket reached out to the hallway.
"I just miss him so much," said the brother, who then covered his face with his hand as he broke down in tears.
Edwin Coste urged anyone with information on his son's death to contact the New York City Police Department's tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.