Reward swells to $60,000 in search for Terrell Mayes' killer

Someone knows who shot 3-year-old Terrell Mayes on the day after Christmas of 2011.

That's the explanation authorities gave Tuesday morning for why they are increasing the reward from $10,000 to $60,000 for information about who fired the stray bullet that pierced his home in the 2600 block of Colfax Av. N. on Dec. 26, 2011, and struck the boy in the head as he ran for the safety of an upstairs closet with his brothers.

"If you've got God in your soul, you've got to turn yourself in," pleaded Marsha Mayes, the toddler's mother, this morning in front of the house that the family left behind for a home in a Minneapolis suburb. "You've got to stop running."

Spotlight on Crime, a collaboration among members of the Minnesota Business Partnership and public safety officials, is offering a reward of up to $50,000, and Crime Stoppers is offering another $10,000 in hope that someone will finally come forward with information to help solve the case.

Fifteen billboards will go up at major intersections over the next few weeks seeking tips.

"Hopefully the tip line will jump off. ... If this [doesn't] make them talk something's wrong," Mayes said.

Police Chief Janeé Harteau, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Wade Setter and other officials joined Mayes to announce the increased reward.

Police Lt. Richard Zimmerman said they have fielded tips, but nothing solid.

"This person did not mean to kill Terrell; they were shooting someone else," he said. "We need those folks who were being shot at, or person, to come forward ... We need a solid witness that really knows something about this case."

Harteau said this isn't a Minneapolis problem, it's a societal problem.

"It should never be acceptable for a 3-year-old to be struck and killed by a bullet in his own home," she said. "So because you live in a different city or different part of town doesn't mean you shouldn't have to think about this and it shouldn't bother you and you shouldn't come to the table and help us solve this crime."

maya.rao@startribune.com • 612-673-4210 pwalsh@startribune.com • 612-673-4482