By Ana Martinez-Ortiz
The day after she was shot, a vigil was held for Quanita “Tay” Jackson. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
On Saturday, Aug. 24, Quanita “Tay” Jackson, was helping out a basketball tournament at Moody Park, 2201 W. Auer Ave. The three v. three tournament was a community event created by Program the Parks, for which Jackson was a Youth Ambassador.
The next evening, around that same area, Jackson was shot and killed in a drive by shooting. At 20- years-old, Jackson’s life was taken from her.
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 Attorney Michael Hupy from the law office of Hupy & Abraham announced he would be offering a reward to the first individual to come forward regarding information on the shooter.
Attorney Michael Hupy is offering a reward of $25,000 to the first person who comes forward with information regarding the shooter. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
During a press conference, Hupy explained that he’s put up these rewards before, but this is the first time he’s offered a reward after a drive-by shooting.
“I usually put up these rewards after when the bullet comes through the outer wall of a home and kills a small child, but I want to do something for this family,” Hupy said.
Hupy is offering a $25,000 reward to the first person to come forward with information. He’s hoping that the information provided will aid the police in arresting said individual and lead to a conviction.
Tom Schneider, the executive director of COA, also gave a few words. He explained that on Friday, Aug. 23, over 700 community members had gathered in the park for a back-to-school celebration.
Everyone gathered was celebrating a summer of peace, Schneider explained. There are some amazing people in this neighborhood, and everyone is mourning the loss of Jackson, who was an influential member of the community.
Tom Schneider says the previous Friday, community members had gathered to celebrate a summer of peace. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
Jackson was shot near the COA Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St., which resides in Moody Park. Photos and purple balloons were hung in Jackson’s honor on the fence surrounding the garden. Schneider expressed his hope that the reward offers another incentive for people to come forward and share whatever information they have.
“There should be no code of silence protecting people who engage in drive-by shootings in this neighborhood,” Schneider said.
Nearly a week later, police are continuing to search for the suspects. If anyone has information, they are asked to call (414)-935-7360. People can also contribute to the GoFundMe page, which has been set up for the Jackson family in memory of Quanita “Tay” Jackson.