Tyler Johnson
The mother of a teen fatally shot at a Southfield hotel two years ago has started a campaign to increase the reward for information to find his killer.
Her son, Tyler Johnson, was shot in the head on Feb. 11, 2024. He was 15.
“We are working to increase the reward fund in hopes that someone will come forward with information that can help bring answers and justice,” Tomika Alexander said in a statement. “During this difficult time, I am asking for your support.”
Alexander launched a GoFundMe.com page about a week ago to raise money for the reward. Currently, Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward of $2,500 for a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction of Tyler’s killer.
As of Thursday, her GoFundMe page had raised $3,421 toward a $5,000 goal.
“Increasing the reward money has been proven to be effective, and it encourages witnesses to come forward so that the families of the deceased receive some sort of justice and closure,” Alexander wrote on the page. “If you can, please donate to my GoFundMe campaign. I can’t do it alone, but together we can raise the reward money. I appreciate you all, and I believe justice will prevail.”
Police said after the shooting, Tyler was taken to a hospital, where the Ferndale resident was put on life support.
Authorities said the teen was with an unsupervised group of friends who had gathered in a room.
Officers arrested two juveniles who fled from the room, including a 15-year-old Detroit boy who had two handguns in his waistband. The other boy was released into his parents’ custody.
In February 2025, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren told the media that witnesses to the shooting were not willing to come forward and tell investigators what happened.
As a result, the investigation had not moved forward, Barren said. He said the witnesses obtained attorneys through their parents and were not cooperating with the police.
@CharlesERamirez
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Mother seeks to boost reward for tips in Oakland Co. teen’s slaying