Two years later, 6-year-old Aniya Allen's killing still unsolved
MINNEAPOLIS -- Thursday marks two years since a young girl was hit and killed by a stray bullet in Minneapolis.
Even in the pouring rain, people gathered to honor her life at the interaction of 36th and Penn avenues, where she was killed two years ago. At the intersection, there is a growing memorial for Aniya Allen, which shows some of her favorite things, including teddy bears and unicorns. There are also pictures of other children who have lost their lives to gun violence.
The group on Thursday marched one block, while one person played the saxophone and Allen's grandfather, KG Wilson, symbolically carried a small casket. A hearse slowly led the march and Wilson put the casket in the hearse in front of Allen's memorial.
Allen's mother, Antrice Sease, showed up to speak on Thursday. She shared how challenging the last two years have been.
"We're being really strong and just keep fighting and keeping strength and hope," said Sease.
READ MORE: On what would've been Aniya Allen's 8th birthday, family and friends release balloons
Back in May 2021, a stray bullet hit Allen in the head while she was sitting in a car with her mom.
Wilson has been fighting for justice every day since Allen was murdered.
"We want justice y'all. We've been begging and pleading for justice for our angel and all the other angels that were here," said Wilson.
Many others showed up to the march and memorial, including Minneapolis police officers and investigators, as well as the city's first ever safety commissioner, Cedric Alexander. He says he showed up to share his commitment to Allen's case.
"This investigation will not end until those involved in this are brought to justice, I promise you that," said Alexander.
Three children, including Aniya, were shot in the span of a few months in North Minneapolis in the summer of 2021.
Contact Crime Stoppers with any tips: 800-222-8477. There is a substantial reward for any tips leading to an arrest.
Ten-year-old Ladavionne Garrett Jr. was shot April 30, 2021. Nine-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith was shot May 15. Allen was shot three days after that.
Ottoson-Smith was also killed, while Garrett survived. Dpree Robinson has been charged in Ottoson-Smith's death. He pleaded guilty, but withdrew his guilty plea before sentencing. He remains in custody. The person who shot Garrett remains unknown.
Contact Crime Stoppers with any tips: 800-222-8477. There is a substantial reward for any tips leading to an arrest.
