MINNEAPOLIS — Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Arradondo and other Minneapolis leaders announced a $30,000 reward fund for information about three recent child shootings.
You can watch the full press conference below. It included family members of the children and leaders with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, which organized the reward in partnership with Crime Stoppers.
According to a Chamber press release ahead of the announcement, the fund includes up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in each case.
The three recent shootings, all occurring in a period of just weeks, led to an outcry from family and community members calling for justice.
10-year-old Ladavionne Garrett, Jr., 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith and 6-year-old Aniya Allen were shot. Aniya Allen died from her injuries on Tuesday.
"It's been far too many days, and they're still out there!" said Aniya Allen's grandfather, community activist K.G. Wilson, at the press conference. "I don't care about anything material anymore, I just want us to have some justice! For me right now, some closure and some justice."
Wilson said he believes that people in the community have information but are scared to come forward. He said those who give information don’t need to be afraid, as they will remain fully anonymous.
"Our babies are not disposable," said MPD Chief Arradondo. He said people in the community with information need to come forward.
"I’m saying to you right now," Wilson said last week. "I’m begging you. Turn yourself in. You killed a baby. If it was an accident, turn yourself in. Find it in your heart. You can’t be that heartless."
The other two children are still hospitalized and fighting for their lives.
"I know she feels it, I know she feels the love, I know she feels the prayers, I know she feels the strength," said Raishawn Smith, the father of 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith. Police said she was shot in the head while playing with other children in a north Minneapolis yard.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tipline at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Minneapolis police spokesperson John Elder, who is also on the Crime Stoppers board, emphasized that tips are fully anonymous.