Reward increased for information about Lakeland murder

Image 1 of 9

Nearly a month after 35-year-old Jonathan "Jay" Charles-Pierre was shot and killed inside his home on Castle Way, Lakeland police detectives say the search for suspects has come up cold.

On Friday, those detectives stood next to the family of Charles-Pierre asking for help from the public.

Earlier this week, Heartland Crimestoppers increased its reward for information in the case to $8,000. Still, no one has come forward to help officers track down the killer.

On the evening of July 25, police believe a man came to the front door of 940 Castle Way and asked for Charles-Pierre. When he came to the door, Charles-Pierre was shot and killed. The suspect ran. 

Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens toldFOX 13 News Charles-Pierre was targeted, but he doesn't know why.

Dozens of family members came to the Lakeland Police Department Friday to speak about Charles-Pierre. Many wore shirts honoring him and held photos of his face.

"They not only killed him," said Giselle Pierre-Charles, Jay's mother. "They killed me, they killed [his brother], they killed all of us."

Anyone with information about who killed Jonathan "Jay" Charles-Pierre is asked to call Heartland Crimestoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477).