WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The reward for answers in the 2018 murder of a man who was shot through a window while he was asleep in bed has been increased to $9,500.
Darnell Powell, 21, was inside a home located at 502 Ave. V NE when someone shot through the window just before 4:30 a.m. on September 28, 2018.
“He’s not just someone that no one loved, he was really loved. He’s very missed, he’s very missed,” said Darnya Barber, Powell's mother.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Winter Haven PD seek answers in 2018 murder of man shot through bedroom window while he slept
- Police: Winter Haven 21-year-old shot through window while in his bed
Though the years have passed Powell’s mother’s push to find her son’s killer has persisted.
“It does get kind of tiring, but I just have a lot of fight for Darnell, the support that I receive from my family and my community, kind of helps me stand strong in regards to Darnell,” said Barber.
Monday, Winter Haven police went door to door, canvassing the neighborhood, making sure the cold case doesn’t go unsolved.
“It may seem small to somebody; it could be something that opens the door wide for us. So we’re just looking for anyone who has anything,” said Detective Shane Ditty.
Powell's mother spoke during a press conference on Monday, thanking all those who have helped spread the word asking for answers in her son's murder.
"I really thank everyone, the support has been — it has been very comforting. It helps us a lot. It lets us know that we're not alone," Barber said. "We're just asking that someone just reach out to us, if you can't reach out, don't feel comfortable speaking to the police, I'm always available."
"We just have to get justice for Darnell," she added.
The increase in the reward, from $5,000 to $9,500 comes through a partnership with Heartland Crime Stopper and the Florida Office of Attorney General.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
- Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
- From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
- Or visit the website here
