NOVI (WWJ) -- There's a new call for tips, and a $2,500 reward available for information, in the cold case murder of a young mother in Novi.
Tia Lanae Joe and her infant son were found shot on Sunday, April 7, 2019, in the home where they lived with Joe's mother, in the Oakland Glens Mobile Home Community, in the 29000 block of Rousseau Drive, near Carousel Street.
In a video posted by a Crime and Justice YouTube channel, it's stated that Joe, 21, was known as a loving mother to her infant son Braxton, as well as for her kindness, warmth and eagerness to help others in need.
"A friend of Tia's recalls the excitement and joy that Tia had experienced being a mom as the happiest time in of her life," the video continues.
According to reports, Joe had just celebrated her baby's 6-month birthday with a piece of cake that evening, before she and the child went to bed in the room they shared.
Early the next morning, shortly after 4 a.m., Joe's mother was awoken by the sound of Braxton crying and the smoke alarm going off.
She went into her daughter's room to find Joe lying lifeless, alongside the child, who was also injured.
Police and EMS responded, and Joe was pronounced dead at the scene. The baby survived his injuries.
As for what happened, there are not a lot of details.
Crime Stoppers states that Joe's mother believes an intruder had entered the home while everyone was sleeping.
Cold Case - Tia Joe
And while neighbors reported that they'd heard screaming at around the time of the murder, none of them called the police.
Now, more than four years later, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been described in this case.
Joe's mom, other family members and a local pastor were set to speak at a news conference on Thursday, pleading for tips from the public.
As the investigation continues, anyone who knows anything about this murder is urged to help by making an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAK-UP (1-800-773-2587). Tips may also be submitted online at this link.
As always, those who contact Crime Stoppers will stay 100% anonymous, will not be asked their names and are not required to speak to police or to testify in court. Cash rewards are paid by Crime Stoppers when an arrest is made.
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