A reward has been established following a shooting incident in Grand Rapids that left a 15-year-old boy dead. The young man, identified as Amillier Penn, was playing football with friends in the neighborhood of Umatilla Street SE when the shooting occurred. As reported by 13 On Your Side, Silent Observer is now offering a $3,200 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the culprit in this homicide case.
During the emotional aftermath, Amilliers' stepfather, Marcus Smith Jr., made a public plea. "He died on Umatilla … in that yard, in broad daylight … You all seen something! You've all seen something! And I need you all to talk, speak up! We need justice. Don’t let that boy just die like that," he implored at a vigil held in remembrance of Amillier, as per coverage by Wood TV. Grand Rapids Police Department and Silent Observer are both accepting tips, and the Major Case Team is on the investigation.
Police, meanwhile, have stated that the teenager was not armed or involved in any illicit activity, reinforcing the senselessness of the crime. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom weighed in, saying, "In this case, this young man was playing football with friends. He wasn’t engaged in any kind of illegal activity. He wasn’t armed with a handgun. He’s 15 years old. So, I don’t think when we discover a motive that it’s gonna be a motive that makes any sense, but we’re not to the point yet where we have it all pieced together," Wood TV reported.
Community members have rallied to support Amillier's bereaved family, both emotionally and financially. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist with funeral expenses. "I'm so hurt. I can't believe the city did this to my baby. I don't even know how to think. I'm stuck in disbelief," Smith Jr. expressed his devastation, as shared in a statement to FOX 17 West Michigan. Smith Jr., along with other family members, stood at the tragic site on Hall Street and Madison Avenue, appealing to the community for closure and justice.
As the Grand Rapids community grieves this loss, the plea for any information persists. Those with knowledge of the incident are urged to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Silent Observer.
