DETROIT (WWJ) - Seven years ago this week, a Downriver tattoo artist and dad was murdered in Detroit. Today, his family won't give up hope that justice may yet be found.

Wyandotte resident Scott Groat, 30, died early in the morning of December 18, 2011.

Reports say Groat and a friend attended a private party at MGM Grand Detroit; and at around 3 a.m. Groat was walking in the area of Grand River and Bagley, about three blocks from the casino, when he encountered his killers.

There was a confrontation, according to authorities, and the suspects -- a group of maybe three unknown men -- stabbed Groat multiple times in the neck.

Groat's friend was able to get him to the car. He called 911 and was directed by a dispatcher to a local hospital, but Groat died before they could get there.

“His last words were ‘Please don’t let me die'," a family member said.

Groat left behind a 1-year-old daughter, and a grieving mother, Mary Groat, who believes someone out there knows who ended her son's life so brutally.

A cash reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this cold case killing.

Anyone with any information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tips may also be submitted online at this link, or by texting CSM and the tip to CRIMES (2746370). As always, tipsters may stay 100 percent anonymous, and will not be required to give their names, speak to police or to testify in court.