The reward for information leading to the arrest of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee’s killer has grown to $51,000, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Just Thursday, the reward stood at $35,000.
Police said the fourth grader was lured from a park into in an alleyway near his grandmother’s home in the city's Gresham neighborhood Monday afternoon where he was then murdered. Investigators said the boy was targeted in the shooting and shot multiple times in the head and back while still wearing his school uniform.
“I'm sure that child was in total shock, scared, wanted his parents, wanted his grandmother,”
said community activist Andrew Holmes on Friday. “And for someone to unload and discharge these many bullets into that little kid's body is a damn shame.”
Police said the 9-year old was the latest victim of a war between two rival gangs, and he was “targeted” because of his father’s alleged gang ties. Tyshawn's father, however, denies being affiliated with any gang.
At a news conference Thursday, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said police know who may be responsible, but they can't prove "who did what."
The boy’s father has not cooperated with police, McCarthy said.
Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church said a so-called “code of silence” may be keeping witnesses from coming forward.
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“I'm hoping the people know it don't sleep until they turn them in, that they don’t have one moment of peace,” Pfleger said.
On Thursday, Pfleger noted that if someone comes forward with information but fears for their lives, he will personally pay for them to relocate to another city.
Tyshawn was a student at Scott Joplin School, where his teachers say he was a "delight" to have in class. He liked to play sports and video games.
"He was supposed to play ball. That's all he do, all he liked to do is play ball and play video games," his mother Karla Lee said. "He didn't hurt nobody. I don't know why this happened."
Anyone who may have information about the incident is being asked to call (312) 747-8271.
