HAMMOND, Ind. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the shooters responsible for murdering a 2-year-old girl in northwest Indiana.
Joette “Jo Jo” Malone was in the backseat of her mother’s car July 29 when they were caught in crossfire from gunmen in two other cars in Hammond, according to police.
Jo Jo was shot in her head in the parking lot of the Kennedy Crossing apartment complex and rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she died two days later, authorities said. She and her mother, who escaped injury, were innocent bystanders.
"Jo Jo was two-and-a-half-years old and barely beginning the opportunity to enjoy life when it was suddenly taken from her," he said holding back tears. "As a result, we are utilizing every resouce available to find the person responsible for the incident."
Anyone with information can call the FBI at 317-595-4000, the Hammond police investigators at 219-852-2906, or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov or email Hammond detectives at detectives@hammondpolice.com.
Jo Jo’s death is one of the latest in a string of fatal acts of gun violence against children. In Chicago, 15 children — five of them 10 years old or younger — have been shot to death in the city since June 20, according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ records.
Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at the Divinity Funeral Home, 3831 Main St., East Chicago.