KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City police and Kansas City Crime Stoppers announced on Thursday they’ll be increasing rewards for tips given in homicide cases from $2,000 to $5,000.
The mother of one homicide victim said the increase is a blessing, and they are hopeful it will lead to a tip in her daughter’s case.
It’s been six months since 25-year-old Destiny Weaver was found shot to death in her car in Tower Park.
“She was my best friend. She was my everything to me,” said DiHaan Coody, Weaver’s mother.
Coody said she will never forget the day she learned her daughter had been murdered.
“I don’t know why today I’m crying… but some days are harder than others,” she said.
Coody has made it her mission to find the person responsible for taking Weaver’s life.
“I’m seeking for justice, I’m seeking for answers,” said Coody.
Coody even put forth $800 of her own money in the hopes that the added reward would encourage more tips, but it has not worked.
“Here I stand still pounding the pavement. Trying to get someone to speak up,” said Coody.
Weaver’s death is one of many unsolved murders in Kansas City.
Now, Kansas City police and the Kansas City Crime Commission have found the funds to increase the reward for tips given in homicide cases.
“As you know, most homicides are solved by witnesses, and those people that are willing to come forward can be enticed sometimes by the dollar amount. It’s been proven both in our practices and in other studies,” said Rick Armstrong, President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission.
Law enforcement hopes the additional funds will bring in a lot more leads and help solve cases across the metro.
“We hope to see a dramatic increase,” said Kevin Boehm, a Kansas City Police Detective assigned to Kansas City Crime Stoppers.
Coody hopes that, too. She prays that the additional money motivates people to speak up and help solve her daughter’s murder.
“Knowing who did it and why you did it… yes, that would bring me some type of closure,” said Coody.
Until Weaver’s case is solved, Coody will continue to spread awareness and reach out to the community in the hopes that others don’t have to suffer the way she has.
Coody will hold an event on November 12 to honor her daughter. For more details, you can visit Justice 4 Destiny Weaver.
The increase in reward money only applies to tips on homicide cases in Kansas City.
Crime Stoppers also reiterates that when you do call or submit a tip, it is completely anonymous.
To submit a tip on a homicide visit www.KCcrimeStoppers.com