After scouring the neighborhood for leads in the killing of 6-year-old King Carter last month, Miami-Dade police say it was an anonymous tip coupled with GPS technology that led them to the boy's killers.
NBC 6 has learned that the person who submitted that anonymous tip through Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers will receive a reward of $26,000 for their help in leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Irwen Pressley.
Pressley, along with 18-year-old Leonard Adams, was charged with second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the February shooting. A third teen is also facing charges.
Police say Carter was outside playing near his northeast Miami-Dade apartment complex when Pressley and Adams drove up and exchanged gunfire with another male before speeding away.
Carter was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
Miami-Dade Police say that an anonymous tipster pointed them to Pressley. Police obtained a search warrant for Pressley's home and found a 9mm gun.
Police also found the teen's ankle monitor from the court, as he was out on probation.
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GPS technology put Pressley at the apartment complex at the time of the shooting.
"Basically we received information regarding the case. We took that information and forwarded it to our lead detective and they took the information and used it for their benefit and as a result an arrest was made," Sgt. Rufus BoClair said.
The killing of the 6-year-old boy left community members and leaders outraged. Multiple rallies were held in the weeks after Carter's death urging anyone with information to break their silence and come forward.
The rallies also called for an end to gun violence that is plaguing communities throughout South Florida, where many of the shooting victims have been teenagers and children. Some of these crimes remain unsolved.
With the release of this large cash award, police are hopeful that citizens will realize the value of Crime Stoppers and that they will be encouraged to come forward with information on other crimes.
"It makes us feel really good because not only are we closing the case with the detective we are helping the family have closure as well," BoClair said.
If you have information regarding an unsolved crime, you're encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers. Your call will be completely anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward while helping your community become a safer place to live.
In Miami-Dade County, call 305-471-TIPS.
In Broward County, call 954-493-TIPS.
