Khamaya Donelson shooting in Houston, FBI increases reward up to $130K as search for suspect continues

HOUSTON - Houston police and the FBI are asking for the public’s help to find the person or people responsible for a shooting that left a 5-year-old girl dead and an 8-year-old boy injured a year and a half ago.

Khamaya Donelson, 5, was killed in the early morning hours of July 3, 2022, after being caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting near the intersection of Northborough Drive and Rushcreek Drive in Greenspoint. Her 8-year-old brother was in the backseat with her and was also injured.

"It was a single bullet that struck Khamaya’s family vehicle. It was a single shot that took her life," said Ryan Whalen, the acting assistant special agent for FBI Houston. 

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During a press conference on Tuesday with the Houston police, the FBI announced they have increased the reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible from $50,000 to up to $130,000.

"This is not just Ms. Watters baby girl. This is all of our kids. A 5-year-old and somebody needs to come forward and step up," said Chief Troy Finner, of the Houston Police Department. 

Khamaya's brother gave an emotional speech at the press conference on Tuesday. 

Photo of Khamaya Donelson

"My sister’s life matters. In fact, everybody’s life matters," said Khamani Rice. "My sister did not deserve what happened that night. In fact, nobody does." 

Khamaya's mother also spoke as she held on to her lost daughter's jacket for support. 

"I’m reliving this every day and it's like everyone forgot about Khamaya," said Kristena Watters, Khamaya's mother. 

Police say the children and their mother were in their car at a stop sign when someone in another car – a gray 1999 Honda Accord – started shooting toward a nearby convenience store.

PREVIOUS: 1 child dead, another injured during drive-by shooting in north Houston

"As you can see in the video, that vehicle is occupied by at least three to four suspects in this case," said Detective David Higgins, of the Houston Police Department. 

Authorities say people standing outside the convenience store fired back towards the gray car. Police say one of the stray bullets hit 5-year-old Khamaya in the face and her 8-year-old brother in the arm.

Homicide detectives are looking for a suspect(s) in this silver or gray 1999 Honda Accord, believed responsible for the fatal shooting of 5-year-old Khamaya Donelson. (Source: Houston Police Department)

The children’s mother drove them to the hospital, where the girl was pronounced dead.

"We want these individuals, or that individual, in custody. We cannot allow this to go on in our city," said Finner. 

Anyone with information on the suspect(s) wanted in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.