SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Two years after her son’s death, the mother of 15-year-old Tyler Johnson is asking for donations to increase the reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Tomika Alexander is raising money to boost the Crime Stoppers of Michigan reward for the killing of her son from up to $2,500 to $10,000.
She renewed her call for tips as Johnson’s classmates prepare for milestones he will never reach.
“My son would be turning 18 years old. He would be having a graduation this year, he would be going to prom,” Alexander previously told Local 4. “I don’t get none of that.”
Johnson was shot and killed Feb. 11, 2024, at a sleepover with friends at the Westin Hotel in Southfield.
Four other teenagers were in the room when the shooting occurred, but investigators say they have not provided information about what happened.
Alexander said public support has helped her continue pressing for answers.
“I have like strangers just to come up to me and just letting me know they’re praying for me and continue my fight and don’t give up, and I’m not,” she said. “From phone calls, just text messages, a card in the mail, those go a long way.”
Southfield police have said they recovered two guns from one of the teens at the scene and later determined that one was the weapon that killed Johnson.
However, authorities have said they still don’t have enough evidence to make an arrest.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren has said investigators face challenges determining who was handling the gun when it fired and why it was discharged.
Barren has also said that attorneys representing the teens have advised them not to cooperate.
On April 1, what would have been Johnson’s 18th birthday, Alexander joined Southfield police and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office in renewing calls for information.
In a statement, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward.
“We know there are people who were with Tyler that night and have important information about what happened,” McDonald said. “We urge anyone with information to contact the Southfield Police Department and tell the truth about what happened to their friend.”
“The Southfield Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for Tyler Johnson,” said Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with his family and share the community’s desire for accountability. We know there are people with important information about what happened that night. We continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and speak with our investigators so we can provide Tyler’s family with answers and help bring them some measure of closure.”
Alexander has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the reward.
“I can’t do it by myself, but as a community, my supporters, all together, we can make this happen,” Alexander said.
Alexander said she is holding onto hope that a tip will eventually bring her family answers.
“We’re going to get charges for Tyler, definitely,” Alexander said. “He didn’t deserve this, and I’m not going to let this go and fall on deaf ears.”
Anyone with information in the case can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.