Police Offering $60,000 Reward To Catch Child Killer
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Standing outside the home she once shared with her four young children, Marsha Mayes recalls seventeen months of intense sadness and anger.
"It's taking a toll on me and my kids, that Terrell is not here with us," Mayes said.
Her tears over the senseless loss of her 3-year-old son Terrell Jr., haven't dried despite the passage of time. Mayes can't come to grips with the shooting outside the family home that stole her innocent little boy.
"I wake up and I'm supposed to hear the pitter-patter of a 4-year-old walking around, and he's not there," she said.
On the evening of Dec. 26, 2011 somebody fired gunshots outside the family's home at 26th and Colfax Avenue North in Minneapolis. One shot pierced the outside wall, before striking Terrell in the head. He was transported to North Memorial hospital and died the following day.
The 3-year-old child was running up the stairs to the safety of his second floor bedroom when the errant bullet tore through the home.
"We need a solid witness that really knows something about this case," said Minneapolis Homicide Commander Lt. Richard Zimmerman.
Frustrated by the absence of a major break in the 17-month-old case, police have announced a $60,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of Terrell's killer. Investigators believe whoever fired the shot was aiming at someone else outside the Mayes' home.
"This person didn't mean to shoot Terrell but rather shot at someone else," Lt. Zimmerman said. "We need those folks being shot at to come forward."
As police appeal for witness cooperation, Marsha Mayes speaks as a mother, deep in grief. Her message is pointed directly at a troubled conscience and her appeal is for them to end their silence.
"Every time you look at that child that you're playing with, or caring for or the child you had, you should see my son's face," Mayes said.
Anyone with information in the case can call the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 877-996-6222 or through email at bca.tips@state.mn.us.
