BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A reward is being offered for information in connection to the death of 18-year-old Jalia Marrero. Erie County medical examiners conducted an autopsy and police announced her death has been ruled a homicide.
"I knew that this is what it was from the beginning. We tried to let the police and detectives know that we know this boy did something to her from the beginning, from the moment she went missing," Norma Coppola, Jalia's cousin, said.
"You're looking at a young lady who will never have kids, never get married, never walk across a college stage," Pastor Tim Newkirk, of GYC Ministries, which helps advocate for and locate missing children, said.
Jalia was reported missing in May and her body was recovered in a wooded area south of Delsan Court in Buffalo in June. Jalia went missing just days after her father, Luis Marrero, was murdered. The Marrero family said Jalia witnessed her father's death.
Their family told 7 News they believe her boyfriend is responsible for Jalia and her father Luis's death. They said she was a prisoner of her relationship.
"We knew she was in danger the whole time. We tried to let the detectives know about it," Coppola said.
No one has been arrested in connection to Jalia's death, her family told 7 News they won't stop until there is justice. Police have not named any suspects or persons of interest.
Jalia's family said she gave different statements about what happened the night she saw her father shot and killed. Chris Belling, the former Chief of Homicide at the Erie County District Attorney's Office, said those statements could be complicating the investigation.
"Victims of domestic violence often contradict their stories based upon fear," Belling said.
7 News asked Belling if investigators are trained to see when victims of domestic violence are covering for their abusers.
"There's very very specific training for both police investigators and prosecutors in the dynamics of domestic violence, in the dynamics of what victims will do, how they will attempt to not cooperate, how they will attempt to shape their stories one way or another," Belling said.
On Monday, Crime Stoppers announced a reward of up to $7,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person(s) responsible.
"Tell the detectives. Let them know that this boy is dangerous, and if this has happened to them before, come forward and tell the situation," Coppola said.
"You have to stop being fearful. Stop being scared. Be righteous and do what's just and right in the eyes of the Lord as well as our own community. In order for us to live together in this community, we have to protect this community," Newkirk said.
