POTSDAM – Police went to the streets this afternoon seeking the public’s help in solving last week’s murder of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips.

Traffic was backed up in both directions in front of the Market Street apartment where Phillips lived with his mother, Tandy Cyrus, and was found murdered.

As each motorist approached officers on both sides of the road, police handed them a notice that says:

“We are investigating the death of a 12-year-old boy that occurred last Monday, Oct. 24 at approximately 5:10 p.m. at the North Country Manor Apartments, 100 Market St., Potsdam.

“If you were in the vicinity of 100 Market St. last Monday, Oct. 24 between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and saw anything, please call the Potsdam Police Department at 265-2121."

On Friday, police ruled the death a homicide, based on initial results of an autopsy performed by a forensic pathologist in Albany.

Phillips was found unconscious and alone in the apartment after neighbors called police and reported hearing a loud noise and moaning coming from the apartment.

He was taken by the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, but efforts there to save him were unsuccessful.

Tuesday night, more than 240 people – students, teachers, parents, staff and area residents – attended a candlelight vigil at A.A. Kingston Middle School in Garrett’s memory. The evening included a number of stories about Garrett shared by friends — many of them depicting his fun-loving nature, his smile, and his appreciation of a good practical joke. Students sang a number of songs in tribute to him and candles were raised as the night concluded, with hopes that the next few days will bring some closure to the case, and an opportunity for his family and the community to begin mourning and healing.

Since Friday, there has been no additional news on the investigation from police. Police say they were continuing to work on leads and evidence, and to question anyone they thought might have some knowledge of how the boy died.

Police said they have not listed anyone as a suspect or person of interest in the case.

Garrett had been a sixth grade student at A.A. Kingston Middle School. He loved the outdoors, going to camp and riding his four-wheeler and hunting and fishing. Garrett was also very active in Potsdam sports, playing football, soccer, hockey, basketball and lacrosse.