MINNEAPOLIS - The Minneapolis Police Department hopes an increased reward will find the person responsible for firing the stray bullet that killed a 3-year-old boy.

Terrell Mayes was shot on Dec. 26 while inside his house - the victim of a stray bullet that had been fired from outside. Police have been chasing down leads to find out who is responsible.

Police and Crime Stoppers held a news conference Friday afternoon to announce the reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Terrell's death has been increased to $8,500.

"We are all here, basically, saying that we are not forgetting Terrell Mayes," said Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan. "I think all of us, when we were at the funeral, we were wondering 'what can we do?' Well, this is one thing we can do."

Marsha Mayes, Terrell's mother, said she is angry and wants answers. "I am praying that [the news coverage] makes a difference and makes somebody come forward and say 'I did it.' You know what I am saying? Get me a little closure to it."

Former Minnesota Viking Greg Coleman, who said he lives in north Minneapolis, told those assembled that it was important to get "one gun" off the street.

"Let us do whatever we can to raise this reward hoping that it would lead to getting this particular gun off the street," Coleman said.

After the news conference, police and about 50 volunteers fanned out to distribute flyers in a four-block radius around Terrell's home, publicizing the reward and asking for help in solving the case.

Marsha Mayes walked door-to-door with other volunteers placing door tags on homes and cars, even passing directly in front of the her house where Terrell was shot.

The tags featured a picture of Terrell with the plea, "Please help find my killer."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers of Minnesota at (800) 222-TIPS. Tips can remain anonymous.

(Copyright 2012 by KARE and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)