Reward increased up to $130K for drive-by shooting suspect wanted in 5-year-old's 2022 death
Khamaya Donelson was shot and killed in July 2022 while riding with her mom and brother to get ice cream in north Houston.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The search for the suspect who killed 5-year-old Khamaya Dior Donelson continues more than a year after her murder.
On Tuesday, authorities held a press conference in hopes the public can help identify the possible suspects.
Federal investigators released new surveillance footage showing a gray 1999 Honda Accord occupied by three to four people. Authorities said they believe this vehicle is connected to Khamaya's death.
The reward for information leading to an arrest was increased to $50,000 back in August 2022.
On Tuesday, the reward was increased again up to $130,000, including $100,000 from the FBI, $5,000 from Crime Stoppers, and $25,000 from Tilman Fertitta.
On July 3, 2022, at about 1 a.m., Khamaya's mother, Kristena Watters, picked up her kids from day care after working the late shift at a restaurant. They were at a stop sign on Northborough Drive when bullets flew from a Honda Accord, according to police.
"They were shooting towards the corner store when I told my kids to get down, and when they were driving off, the kind of gun they were using, an automatic, and that last bullet, and it went through my baby's face, and it came out her neck, and it stuck inside my son's arm," Watters said.
A single shot hit the family's vehicle through the rear driver's side door and struck both of the children. The kids were taken to an emergency room, where Khamaya was later pronounced dead.
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Watters spoke at the press conference on Tuesday, pleading for someone to come forward with information about her daughter's murder.
"I feel like I'm begging a community to come together to save our babies," Watters said. "It shouldn't take a dollar amount for someone to come forward."
Khamani Watters, Khamaya's 9-year-old brother who was also shot during the drive-by, told the public his sister's life matters, and so do other children's lives.
I want all the kids out there to know their lives matter, too...My sister did not deserve what happened that night. In fact, nobody does. When my mom is gone, which is not going to happen for a very, very, very long time, I carry the legacy. I keep my sister's name alive.Khamani
The FBI unveiled 10 digital billboards in August 2022 advertising the big reward for information in little Khamaya's murder.
Police said witnesses only described the suspect as a Black man. The motive behind the shooting is not known.
You know your birthday, but you don't know your death date...You never know when the last time seeing somebody is. Me and my mom both learned that life is very short.Khamani
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI's Houston Field Office at 713-693-5000, HPD's Homicide Division at 713-308-3600, or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
"We don't know who was in that car. I don't know his story. I don't know what put him in that car that day. I don't think it was to kill my 5-year-old, but he left the house with the intent to kill someone," Watters said. "Why didn't he know that his life mattered when he got in that car?"
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with expenses.
Khamaya's mother and brother are also organizing what they call the "Diorable" toy drive, which is a nod to the little girl's middle name.
You can donate at a separate GoFundMe or drop off a toy at the Dollar General at 1455 Gears Road.
WATCH: 5-year-old's brother year after her death: 'My sister's life matters'
Despite being robbed of her youngest child, Khamaya's mother is ready to forgive.
"I just hope y'all get him off the streets so he can get the help that he needs so someone can let him know his life matters, and I could hate him, but that is not going to bring my baby back," Watters said.
RELATED: Mother wants answers 1 month after 5-year-old killed in shooting: 'It just hurts'
