$10K Offered in Inglewood Dad's Death [UPDATED]
The family of a Southern California man hosted a news conference Monday at Inglewood City Hall to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever killed Frederick Martin.
The current reward, which could go higher, is being offered by Frederick Martin Jr.'s half sister's father. The police department is handling the decision currently; it could be passed on to the city council for approval.
"It's an outstanding family," Inglewood Mayor James Butts, who knows the family personally. "And this has put a hole in their heart that will never be filled."
Specifics about investigation and suspects have not been shared, but Martin is still not believed to have been involved in gangs.
Fredrick Martin was killed last Tuesday while cleaning his grandmother's garage with his 8-year-old son and a friend in Inglewood. After hearing gunshots, Martin pushed his son to the ground and shielded him from the bullets.
Martin was shot in the torso and abdomen and died later in the hospital that night. His son, Fredrick "Tre" Martin survived with a minor graze. Martin's best friend, Joey Hickman, escaped with only a shot in his ankle.
Martin's sister, Michari Pratts, who will be attending the news conference, said "he did what a father is supposed to do. He made sure his son was surrounded by love and support."
Family members said that Martin was a devoted father. He was planning on celebrating his one-year anniversary in May with his wife Amanda, who is expecting their second child.
Police believe that two suspects may be behind the shooting at the home located on 109th Street and Lemoli Avenue. The shooting was one of three unrelated shootings in Inglewood that night.
Friends of Martin said that the neighborhood has experienced recent problems with gangs, and Martin could have been targeted by mistake.
Police have not identified any suspects or a motive.
However, both family and friends said that Martin has never been involved in gang activity.
The news conference will be attended by Martin's family, his best friend shot at the incident, the Inglewood Police Department and Inglewood Mayor James Butt. They will announce the reward and ask for help in finding Martin's killer.
Anyone with information was asked to call Inglewood police at (310) 412-5246 or the anonymous tip line at (888) 41-CRIME.
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