Reward now $8,000 for grandmother's killer

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms announced Wednesday they will add $5,000 to the reward for information leading to the arrest of Sharon Watkins' killer.

ATF joined Tampa police to urge cooperation in the case that has hit a standstill.

Investigators say someone shot and killed the 58-year-old grandmother after a neighborhood feud spilled over June 27. They've called her an innocent victim and say they don't know the shooter's motive.

They do have several leads, but nothing concrete enough yet for police to make an arrest. That's why they're turning to the public for help.

"It could be somebody in your family next because my mom didn't deserve it. You never know what motivated them to do this and if you have something to say, just say it so they can be behind bars and they won't harm anybody else," said Showanda Darns, Watkins' daughter.

Crime Stoppers initially offered a $3,000 reward, bringing the total to $8,000.

Anyone with information on Watkins' murder is asked to call or text the ATF hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS. They say it is anonymous.

ATF officials also announced new efforts to focus on the root of gun violence like the Watkins case. They will work with TPD more intensely to find out how the guns used in violent crimes were acquired. They'll also focus on keeping those weapons out of the hands of dangerous individuals.