Our loved one was killed while running on April 21, 2020 between 7-8 pm. He was discovered April 22nd. This was a hit and run and this is where we need your help. 

First, a little about Ervin “Butch” Brendel. He was an avid half marathon runner. He enjoyed the exercise,
time to reflect and the challenges that running brought him. He completed a multitude of half marathons
including this year’s Little Rock Half Marathon. His time this year earned him 3rd place for his age group.
Butch had a Masters in Physical Therapy. He loved working with the veterans and did so for about 20 years
at the Little Rock VA Hospital. He also loved his co-workers and they miss him very much. He was a gardener, artist, handyman and so much more. Mostly Ervin loved our daughter, Cally, and his step daughters Casey
and Courtney with all that he had. 

We have been deep in grief and shock since he was killed. Each day we wake with the realization of what has happened. Our grief has been different not only because the suddenness of his death at age 51 but because we now find ourselves victims of a crime. A crime that is not solved. A crime for which there needs to be
justice. A crime someone knows something about that will solve it.

We have been in close contact with the lead investigator from day one and have contacted Crime Stoppers.  We hope this reward will bring someone forward to give that key piece of information that is needed to
assist in getting an arrest and conviction.. We need justice and closure so badly. This is where we need your
help. Please consider giving any amount to this Go Fund Me for Butch's memory, Cally, Casey, Courtney and all of us that loved him and want to see justice. 

Also, We’d love for you to share this information on your fb pages, in your other social media or wherever
you can spread the word. Details on vehicle involved and location are below for you to cut and paste. 

Thank you for your consideration. We pray that you are all safe and well. We also pray that you are able to
help us by giving. We want to honor Butch by finding whoever did this to him. We pray that he is not
forgotten.

Sincerely,
 
Leslie Upshaw             
Justice for Ervin “Butch”

“The biggest lead investigators have is the type of vehicle. They say a driver had a G.M. made SUV from the model years 2003-2006. That includes models like Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, or a Buick Envoy. They know that because the collision left a passenger-side mirror at the scene. There's also damage to the front end of the vehicle, or at least there would have been two weeks ago.” “Anyone with
information about a vehicle similar to the one described or who may have seen something unusual prior to or after the collision is asked to contact Special Agent Gregg Bray at (501) [phone redacted] or call the Arkansas
State Police at (501) [phone redacted].” THV11 on May 5, 2020 This occured on I-70 close to Harris Road in North Little Rock.

**UPDATE: VEHICLE MAY BE A 1998-2006 GM/CHEVROLET PICKUP OR SUV

This fund is set up with the permission of Cally Brendel

This money will be used directly and ONLY for a reward for information that leads to the arrest and
conviction of whoever killed Butch. Signs, wristbands and any other items that are purchased are being
paid for by Robert and Leslie Upshaw and are not included in this fund. Any money not used for a reward 
after a period of time determined in conjunction with lead investigator, will go to Cally Brendel (Ervin’s
sole heir). In an effort to be completely transparent, any donor may request details of money used when
fund ends. 

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