FBI increases reward to solve Hammond teen's 2005 murder: 'You may know the killer'

murdered teen Alex Anaya
An undated photo of Alex Anaya Photo credit FBI

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Thursday is Missing Children’s Day, and the FBI is marking the occasion by announcing it has doubled the reward for information that helps them solve the 2005 murder of a Hammond teenager.

It’s been almost 18 years since Sandra Anaya last saw her daughter, Alex.

Three days after Sandra reported her 13-year-old daughter as missing from their Hammond home, the girl’s torso was found floating in the Little Calumet River. Anaya is hopeful people with information are ready to come forward.

“Maybe now they know what it is to be a parent, and now they know like, ‘Wow, I could never imagine something like that happening to my child,’” she tells WBBM Newsradio. “So, maybe now they’ll take into consideration what I’ve been living through.”

FBI Special Agent Siobhan Johnson said the FBI is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Alex’s murderer or murderers. She said it's possible someone out there has a lead.

“You may actually know the killer yourself,” Johnson said.

She urged anyone with information to call (800) -- CALL-FBI.

flyer from FBI with teen's picture
The FBI flyer publicizing the unsolved murder of Alex Anaya. Photo credit FBI

Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: FBI