Special to Iredell Free News

As the Statesville community struggles to make sense of the murder of 8-year-old A’Miyahh Howell on June 28, local officials have been working with several city residents to set up a reward fund to use for this case as well as other crimes against children in Statesville.

Mayor Costi Kutteh and Police Chief David Addison announced the establishment of the fund on Monday and issued yet another plea to the community. The latest plea for help comes with tens of thousands of dollars in rewards for information that can help solve this recent murder, as well as the shootings of the other two children that same night.

“Our police department has worked hard to make the arrests in the June 28th shootings. But we still need the community’s help to convict these individuals. We want the violence to stop, especially against our children,” said Kutteh.

Donations from anonymous community members are being used to establish the “Protect our Children Reward Fund” through the City of Statesville. More than $10,000 has been donated so far.

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many individuals who want to know how they can help. They love Statesville and they love children. Their hope is that this reward fund will encourage folks to step up and get involved,” explained Kutteh.

Kutteh also hopes that other concerned citizens will support the effort with additional donations. Persons interested in donating to the fund can contact the City Manager’s Office at 704-878-3583.