The Buckeye Police Department is renewing its request for public assistance in a cold case homicide that tragically cut short the life of 16-year-old Anaiah Walker. As we approach the grim five-year anniversary of her death, the department is intensifying its outreach efforts in collaboration with Silent Witness, launching a billboard campaign along I-10 in hopes of unearthing leads that could bring closure to this enduring mystery, as reported by the City of Buckeye.
It was back on a solemn May 22, 2020, when Anaiah's lifeless body was discovered laying on the median of I-10, west of Watson Road. The findings were stark, revealing that she had been struck by a vehicle, sending shockwaves through the Buckeye community. Investigators meticulously analyzed car components found scattered at the scene, deducing that the elusive suspect was likely operating a 2016 to 2018 Honda Civic LX or LE, drenched in a distinct "midnight burgundy pearl" factory color, according to a statement from the City of Buckeye.
Despite each trace followed, every potential clue examined, detectives have yet to pinpoint the vehicle involved and identify the individual behind the wheel on that fateful day. In 2022, Buckeye police joined forces with Silent Witness in a bid to augment the reward for information, raising the stakes to $12,000 for that pivotal tip leading to an arrest. In a continued effort to attract the public's attention, for the third consecutive year, the Silent Witness information will be conspicuously displayed on electronic billboards along the I-10 corridor, near Miller Road, active now through the entire month of May, as obtained by the City of Buckeye.
The authorities remain hopeful that these renewed efforts will spark someone's memory, or someone's conscience, and generate new information essential to solving the case. Amidst these appeals, the Buckeye Police Department encourage anyone with knowledge regarding Anaiah's case to step forward and contact 480-WITNESS, or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish-speaking individuals. Those providing tips have the option to remain anonymous, and might be eligible for the cash reward of up to $12,000, if their information directly leads to an arrest, as per the City of Buckeye.
