The reward for information regarding the recent shootings of three children in Minneapolis has been raised to $180,000. The increase was announced in an emotional press conference where investigators and the families of the children gathered to plead with the community for their assistance.
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The reward is listed as the largest from Spotlight on Crime ever in Minnesota. The reward is a combined effort from Spotlight on Crime and Crime Stoppers.
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Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Assistant Commissioner Brooke Hodges, Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, Crime Stoppers of Minnesota Chairman Robert Dennistoun, Clear Channel Outdoor president Dan Ballard and the families of Ladavionne Garrett Jr., Trinity Ottoson-Smith, and Aniya Allen, were present for the press conference.
"To the persons who did this or know who did this, I know the pain has got to be getting to you. I'm pretty sure you can't sleep, you can't eat," Hodges said. "You've probably figured out by now that drugs and alcohol won't subside that pain. That pain is going to eat at you like a cancer."
"The only way you can relieve that pain is to do what you know is right, what we all know is right, so you can start to get some peace back in your life," he added.
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The bump in the reward comes as a surge of violent crime has hit Minneapolis at a time when public safety resources are stretched thin. Each of the three children was allegedly subject to gun violence among rival gangs, with the children being unintended targets.
"If you know who did this, I know you are watching this. If you did this, I know you watching this," Activist K.G. Wilson said. "It's time to stop running, ducking, dodging, and hiding. You have to be uncomfortable. There isn't enough weed, enough pills, enough alcohol at no liquor store or bar that's going to help you make this go away."
The Minneapolis Police Department and Minnesota BCA hope the reward will motivate someone with information on the shootings to come forward.
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Of those shot, Ottoson-Smith and Allen died from their injuries while Garrett is in the hospital after being shot in the head 100 days ago.
Sharrie Jennings, Garret's grandmother, spoke, asking when the violence will end.
"When did it get to the point that our kids can't ride in the car? When did it get to the point that our kids can't go to McDonald's? When did it get to the point that our kids can't even jump on a trampoline," Jennings asked.
"Where is the safety for our children? This is our future, our doctors, our mayors, our lawyers, our police chiefs," she added. "Where is our protection at for our children?"
Those who have information on any of the three shootings are encouraged to call the Minneapolis Police Department. No names, phone numbers, or other electronic identifying information will be collected.
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