NewsLocal News

Actions

Reward increased to $15,000 in Independence homicide

Posted at 5:27 PM, Jun 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-07 18:34:04-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Christopher Harris Jr.’s parents said he kept the family laughing.

“He was kind of a jokester,” his father, Christopher Harris Sr., said. 

“He could make you laugh, loving,” his mother, Kecia Mills-Harris, said. 

These parents stare at pictures of their youngest child, taken too soon.

“I'm angry, I'm upset, and I want to get justice for my son,” Mills-Harris said. 

“We just trying to get through this the best we can,” Harris Sr. said. 

On March 14, their son was shot and killed in front of his 9-year-old daughter. 

“You upset the whole family dynamics by killing our son,” Mills-Harris said. “He'll never get to see his daughter walk down the aisle. He’ll never get to see his son married. He’ll never get to see his grandkids. He didn't get a chance to live life.”

Since the case, just one tip has been called into Crime Stoppers.

“Understand that if your family was in this position and you had lost a loved one, in some type of a crime, you would certainly want someone to come forward,” Crime Stoppers Coordinator Det. Kevin Boehm said. 

That’s why folks with Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with information to come forward. 

“Over the history of our program, 637 homicides have been solved directly related to Crime Stopper tip information,” Boehm said. 

Originally a $2,000 reward, Harris Jr.’s parents have increased it to $15,000 for tips leading to an arrest. 

“Whatever it takes for the rest of my life to get justice for my child, we're going to do it,” Mills-Harris said.

They’re hoping to find a little peace during this tragedy.

“I pray every day,” Mills-Harris said. “He says pray without ceasing, and I do that every day so we can get justice for my son.”

One suspect has been charged, but it’s believed more people were involved in Harris Jr.’s murder. 

You can also call Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous at 816-474-8477 or click here to send tips.

---