African American leaders trigger windfall cash reward in kidnapping case
Philadelphia civic and political leaders, including Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey address last week's press conference about the cash reward for information leading to the capture of the kidnappers of Nai'lla Robinson (pasted in photo.)
(Photo by Leona Dixon)
By the end of last week, the cash reward for information leading to the kidnappers and attackers of 5-year-old Nai'lla Robinson, had surpassed $80,000!
This extraordinary response from the citizens of Philadelphia who want to speed up the capture of these brazen criminals began several weeks ago when two dozen African American men, compelled by their shared outrage at the kidnapping and brutal attack of Nai'lla combined their resources to offer a $10,000 reward.
This brought the total at the time to $30,000 when combined with the funds offered by Mayor Michael Nutter ($10,000) and the Fraternal Order of the Police ($10,000).
In announcing his support for the gesture by the African American leaders, State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams liberally increased the amount with a $30,000 cash infusion!
Other donations followed quickly.
In announcing the funds from African American leaders late last month, the NAACP issued the following statement:
"This crime has left this young girl not only physically scarred but emotionally harmed as well. This brutal crime cries out for a universal response from all civilized people.
"We come from all sectors of Philadelphia; the clergy, community organizers, education, the law, business, elected/officials, etc. As such, we have a unified message from our community, hamely that those who know who perpetrated this disgusting crime must be captured and prosecuted according to the law.
"Additionally, by our presence here today, we declare that the security of our children won't be held hostage to the "NO SNITCHIN'" culture which has shielded criminal behavior in the past. We urge anyone who has information about this crime to come forward and provide the clues needed to capture these degenerate thugs.
"Many of the men standing here today are well known public figures....people that our community has come to trust. We urge the public to call them if they have information. There is no reason, no rationale..... no excuse...to remain silent.
"A civilized society is one that protects its children—its future—first and foremost. We stand here today to declare that our children's security will not be violated with impunity by anyone.
"Finally, our presence here today should not be misinterpreted as a criticism of the ongoing investigation, but rather as an affirmation that the black community wants these barbaric criminals brought before the bar of justice without delay to face the full retribution of the law."
Thank you.
Here's how to contact police:
Special Victims Unit: 215-685-3251 or -3252
Police tip line: 215-686-TIPS (8477)
Text a tip: PPD TIP (773847)
Submit a tip online: phillypolice.com/forms/submit-a-tip
Email: tips@phillypolice.com
Tipsters may remain anonymous.
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