Reward Offered In Probe Of Hazel Crest Triple Murder
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials in south suburban Hazel Crest have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the murder of a 39-year-old man and his two daughters.
Dionus Neely and his daughters – 10-year-old Elle and 3-year-old Endia – were found shot in the living room their home in the 2400 block of Crescent Drive on Saturday, after police responded to calls of shots fired. All three were taken to hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.
It is not clear whether the shots were fired from outside the home or if an intruder or intruders got in and fired the fatal shots.
Hazel Crest police believe Neely was targeted, but investigators have not determined why, according to Chief Mitchell Davis.
"We are relatively sure, with a great amount of certainty, that our victim, Dionus, was the target of this attack. As to why he was targeted, and the circumstances around it, we don't have that information. We're still seeking that information," he said.
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Neely had a criminal background for drugs and served time behind bars.
"The kids that were so tragically killed in this particular situation, they didn't ask for this. They had no say so in what happened to them. They were in their home sleeping. Somebody knows exactly what happened. I need for you to search your heart of hearts. No matter what you may think of the gentleman who may have been targeted, there are two innocent kids here," Davis said.
Donors have started a reward fund with $5,000, and Davis said he hopes it helps lead police to the killers.
"Somebody knows who did this. Somebody knows what the circumstances were, and we need to know what those circumstances are so that we can move forward and hold those people accountable. So I beg you, I plead with you that you search your heart, search your soul, and just think about those babies that were murdered," Davis said.
Donations to the fund can be made through any Bank Financial branch, under the "Village of Hazel Crest Reward Fund."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hazel Crest Police Department at 708-335-9640, extension No. 1.
