$20K reward offered to find 9-year-old boy's killer

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police investigating the fatal shooting of 9-year-old Tayshawn Lee in a South Side alley believe that the boy was targeted as part of an ongoing gang feud involving his relatives.

Police said they believe the child's father has information about the possible retaliation, but is not being forthcoming.

Meanwhile, Tayshawn's mother, Karla Lee, has made tearful public pleas for help in solving her son's murder.

"I just want justice for my son. If anyone knows anything please let the police know," Lee tearfully said.

Community activists echoed the call for information and police continued to canvas the neighborhood.

"You're an enemy of this community and the house that is hiding you, if they don't turn you in today, you are an enemy of this community," said Fr. Michael Pflegler, of St. Sabina Church, of the shooter.

Police are still unclear about a motive and have not ruled out retaliation. His family said he was a great kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A $20,000 reward, raised by community groups, is offered for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

Tyshawn was fatally shot in an alley near his grandmother's home in the 8000-block of South Damen Avenue in the city's Gresham neighborhood around 4:15 p.m. Monday.

Tyshawn's basketball was found next to his dead body. Family members said he loved basketball and brought his ball everywhere he went.

A basketball is part of a small memorial, filled with balloons and flowers, that has been created where he the boy's body was found in the alley next to a blue trash bin.

Police said an unknown number of people were gathered in the alley when an argument led to gunfire. Tyshawn was shot several times in the upper body, including in the head and back. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy Tuesday determined that the boy died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

His mother posted a heart-breaking message on facebook.

"He is a very good kid. He loved to play ball and he loved video games," said Sabrina Lee, Tyshawn's aunt.

Tyshawn was a fourth grader here at Scott Joplin Elementary School. Parents said his death will be felt throughout the school.

"I was angry, I was upset, I was hurt - all at the same time. There is no one here protecting these kids," sad Lakesha Alexander, a parent.

Police looked for surveillance cameras in the area and spoke with residents to find any witnesses.

"Whoever did this, there is a special place for them. I hope they never see freedom. I hope they never see daylight," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chicago police at 312-747-8271.

Tyshawn's mother set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for her son's funeral. To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com.