Reward offered for information in Hazel Crest triple shooting

HAZEL CREST, Ill. (WLS) -- Hazel Crest police announced Thursday a $5,000 reward for information on a triple shooting of a father and his two young daughters last weekend.

The reward money is for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

10-year-old Elle and three-year-old Endia were shot to death in their home on Saturday morning along with their father Dionus Neeley. Police say they were targeted.

Erin Ross, the mother of the two girls, was sleeping with her one-year-old child when she was woken up by loud gunfire. She found all three dead in the living room.

"I beg you, I plead with you that you search your heart, search your soul and just think about those babies that were murdered and give us the information that we need," said Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell Davis.

Police say the girls' father had a long criminal history which included some drug convictions. But police, family members and community activists are asking people to look past that and help catch whoever is responsible for the shooting.

"I'm very appreciative of everybody working so hard to try to find out who did this my family because we just to start the healing process," said Martina Patterson, Dionus Neeley's sister.

Police say they have many leads, but not enough to make any arrests. They hope the reward money, which comes from local business owners and clergy, will help give the extra incentive needed to close the case.

An account has been set up with Bank Financial for anyone who wants to contribute to the reward money. It is under "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.