WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) — The case of a local college student who was murdered last fall remains unsolved.

But, the Steelers joined with students and the staff of Washington & Jefferson College on Wednesday evening to create a lasting tribute to 21-year-old Tim McNerney of Butler.

The teamwork at Washington & Jefferson College has spread beyond any basketball court, beyond any football field. It’s an entire community rooting for a cause.

The charity basketball game against the Steelers supported three organizations, including the Tim McNerney Memorial Scholarship.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Cam Heyward, Steelers defensive end. “You have a lot of support from the fans out here, and we just enjoy the opportunity to be out here and just understand what we’re doing and give back to the community.”

McNerney, a W&J football standout, was killed in October. He was beaten to death after an apparent robbery. Still, there has been no arrests after four months.

“If anyone knows anything… you know, I can’t have my son back, but for the safety and sanctity of your community, certainly, I would think you would want to put these people behind bars,” said Robert McNerney, Tim’s father.

“The fact that Tim was such a beloved student here, it means a lot, especially for everybody to come out, donate the money,” added Sean Saputo, Tim’s cousin. “It goes towards his scholarship; not only that, but to Play 60 as well and the Waynesburg Special Olympics. It means a lot, especially to my family and I.”

They know every single basket; every single autograph means McNerney’s legacy will live on.

“We always want to come out and support… not under those circumstances, but to come out here and raise some money, I mean, we can do whatever we can in the smallest ways – that’s what we’ll do,” Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch said.

RELATED LINKS:
Coroner: W&J Student’s Death Ruled Homicide (10/4/12)
Police Continue Investigation Into W&J Student’s Death (10/17/12)
Other Reports on Tim McNerney’s Death