GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The reward has increased for tips about who killed 15-year-old Amillier Penn while he was playing football with his friends.
Penn was with his friends in the 400 block of Umatilla Street in Grand Rapids when he was shot and killed on June 2. He was not armed and his death was ruled a homicide.
No arrests have been made in connection to his death. In late June, police began reaching out to the community for help.
“Many people were outside enjoying the warm weather when Amillier was shot to death,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “We have already interviewed a number of witnesses but are asking for anyone who may have seen or heard something related to this tragic murder to come forward. Even seemingly small details can advance this case and help GRPD bring justice for Amillier and his family.”
Penn's family and police are calling for anyone with information on the shooting to submit tips to Silent Observer or the Grand Rapids Police Department.
13 ON YOUR SIDE talk to Amillier's father, Corey Penn, Thursday afternoon.
"My son was a beautiful soul man, just a beautiful soul," said Corey. "Look at that smile right there, lighting up a whole room. He's my best friend."
To help encourage these tips, an individual donated $5,000 and community members fundraised another $1,000 for the Silent Observer reward.
"It just shows that it are, it is good people out there," said Corey. "It is, you know, people who are supportive and standing behind us and getting justice for my son."
These donations increased the existing $3,200 Silent Observer reward to $9,200 for tips that help GRPD by leading to an arrest in Penn's death.
Silent Observer said tipsters remain anonymous from the time they submit a tip to the time they pick up their reward.
According to Silent Observer, a good tip should include information about what the crime was, who was involved, if drugs were involved and real-time information about a suspect.
Tips can be made by phone at (616) 774-2345 or online at www.silentobserver.org.