WATCH NOW: Slain Miami Hurricane's Family Seeks Justice

PINECREST, FL — It's been more than a decade since murdered defensive linesman Bryan Pata last suited up for a Miami Hurricanes football game, but the star athlete's family has not given up hope that police will one day bring his killer to justice.

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"The death of Bryan Pata was a hard pill for us to swallow, for University of Miami football fans, the community, his friends but ultimately his family," his older sister said at a news conference on Tuesday. "To the public he was introduced as a football phenomenon. His family knew him best. He was a baby brother with the bear hugs and a brilliant smile."

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Surrounded by family members, Pata's sister said that the family hopes his killer will have a "sleepless night and confess to clear his consciousness" and that the killer's accomplices will have remorse when they see the face of her mother still agonizing over her son's death after all these years.

The 22-year-old Pata was shot and killed shortly before 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Colony Apartments at 9315 SW 77 Avenue in Kendall following football practice. The shooting occurred on Nov. 7, 2006.

"He is the athlete that many upcoming students strive to be. His family works diligently for his legacy to remain intact, providing awareness about gun violence and promoting academics through athletics," his sister said.

"Anyone and everyone that knows something — no matter how insignificant it may seem, we hold you accountable. Today is the day we ask for justice," she said. "Bryan will never die to us because he was a big part of this family and this community."

Anyone with information regarding Pata's murder should call Detective M. Dominguez of the Miami-Dade Police Department at 305-471-2400. Alternatively, call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477.

Photo and video courtesy of Miami-Dade Police Department.