MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – From people across the country, the money continues to pour in to help find justice for 3-year-old Terrell Mayes, Jr., who was killed by a stray bullet.
On Dec. 26, 2011, the little boy was shot through the walls of his Minneapolis home. He later died at the hospital.
Right now, the reward for information leading to an arrest is up to $8,000.
“We are all here basically saying, ‘we’re not forgetting Terrell Mayes, Jr.,’ ” said Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan.
It was a call many in this group say they were compelled to answer. People from every corner of the metro came together in an effort to find a killer.
“None of us are hopeless, none of us are helpless and if we can all do what little we can do in our own network in our own little neighborhoods it will all make a difference,” said volunteer, Greg Coleman.
The difference may be in the reward being offered.
“The mind set of many a life is only worth a thousand bucks,” Coleman said.
With the help of people from as far away as Chicago, Crime Stoppers’ $1,000 reward has grown to more than $8,000.
“I was just so frustrated this week. I felt like I had to do something,” said volunteer Joan Miltenberger.
Miltenberger is one of several volunteers who hit the streets of North Minneapolis, hoping an increased reward and a little door knocking can make a difference.
“I work in downtown Minneapolis and so we obviously are part of this larger community and I feel it’s really important that we are considered as one community,” Miltenberger said.
Fliers made their way to the homes, on the cars and in the hands of North Minneapolis residents.
These volunteers say their concern has evolved into action, something they hope is contagious.
“It’s very heartbreaking to hear about this three year old boy being killed here and what’s even more tragic is people are not coming forward to identify who is the child’s killer,” said volunteer Stadie Facion.
Even Terrell’s mother took part. She now believes every step taken today is a step closer to finding the person responsible for taking her son’s life.
Police are not saying what if any information they are getting from the community about this case.
What they do say is this is a tough one for them and they need the public’s help to solve this crime.
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