Who killed Jevario Buie? Officials up reward to $20K, release video of persons of interest

TAMPA, Fla. - As Tampa police released new home security video on Thursday showing a 14-year-old boy minutes before he was shot to death, Crimestoppers announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Chief Lee Bercaw said the video shows Jevario Buie walking with two people on April 17. According to the chief, about 10 minutes later, someone shot and killed Buie. His body was found near railroad tracks off of Busch Boulevard.

"We are committed to getting justice in the tragic death of Javario Buie. This was a senseless act that took a young life from our community far too soon," Bercaw said.

Crimestoppers, meanwhile, also announced the increased reward, which was previously $5,000.

RELATED: Family of 14-year-old who was shot and killed in Tampa begging for justice

Police aren't sure what led to the shooting or the identities of the two people who were recorded with Jevario. The companions are considered persons of interest, according to Bercaw.

His family had initially thought several people may have been involved in Buie's death, but detectives said fewer people were likely involved.

"We have not uncovered anything that would suggest at the time he was murdered, that there were more than one or two people involved in this," said Maj. Patrick Messmer, adding he's hopeful the reward money motivates someone to come forward with information. "If they weren't motivated by doing the right thing initially, if they weren't motivated by giving closure to Javario's family, hopefully now they'll be motivated by this increased reward."

Buie's grandfather, Michael Baldwin, spoke with FOX 13 after the news conference and said he wonders whether the two people with Buie knew what would happen.

Pictured: Jevario Buie. Courtesy: Tampa Police Department

"He's walking like he's just hanging out with some guys. He doesn't know that they're walking him into his death," Baldwin said, adding the last few weeks have been devastating for his family. "I'm challenged with knowing that I couldn't protect my grandbaby. I couldn't protect the most vulnerable people in my family."

Through his grief, Baldwin also had a message for the person who killed his grandson and that person's family.

"Even if it's your son that did this, I promise you, I will not leave you to walk by yourself. I'll come, and I'll walk alongside you," he said. "I already forgive them. I just want to help them get the healing that they need so that they don't hurt nobody else."

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay by calling 800-873-8477 or Tampa police at 813-231-6130.

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