(WWJ) The FBI has posted $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the slaying of a little boy in Detroit.
Nathaniel Roby-Townsend — who went by "Messiah" — was only 4 years old when he was fatally shot during a visit to his grandmother's home on Detroit's west side.
According to investigators, Nathaniel was with his parents and other children inside the house, in the 18000 block of Birwood, the morning of Thursday, May 21, 2020. What was anticipated to be routine family time took a tragic turn when, at around 12:52 a.m., two unknown suspect armed with rifles fired shots into the home from outside
Nathaniel was shot once in the chest and killed instantly, according to the FBI.
Following the shooting, police said the gunmen may have been in a white GMC minivan.
Now two months later, FBI Special Agent in Charge Steve D’Antuono says there are still no suspects in the case.
"As members of the community, we mourn the loss of that child, who should've been looking forward to his fifth birthday," Antuono said at a Wednesday news conference. "Everyone deserves that; to be able to live and work in this community without the fear of being a victim of senseless violence."
The boy's mother, Marlisha Roby, is hoping that the hefty reward fund will entice someone who knows something to call in a tip.
"Hopefully someone will step forward, not only for Nathaniel but....hopefully for every other baby, any other kid that was murdered by a senseless person," she said.
Anyone with information should call FBI's Detroit Field Office at 313-965-2323, or the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also report information online at tips.fbi.gov.