Lakeland Police have been interviewing witnesses and following up on tips for nearly a month, trying to figuring out who killed Jonathan Charles-Pierre, 35, of Lakeland.

  • Jonathan Charles-Pierre, 35, was murdered on July 25
  • Investigators say someone targeted him specifically
  • They're asking for help finding a person of interest - and any other tips the public might have

Friday morning, officials held a news conference, announcing an $8,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

His mother and about 20 friends and family members were there. They said Jonathan was known in the community as “Haitian Jay.”

“I don’t know why they took his life," said his mother Giselle Charles-Pierre. "I don’t know why they took him away from me. His 12 year old boy, (they were) always together. Very hard on him."

In multiple languages, she begged people with information to come forward.

“Please call the police or walk in here and give yourself up,” she pleaded.

According to investigators, just before 11 p.m. on July 25, a man knocked on the door, pointed a handgun at the witness who answered and demanded that he call Jonathan to the door. Detectives said Jonathan came to the door with a handgun, and that’s when the man shot and killed him.

The man took off, firing several more shots, and then hopped into a green four door vehicle and left, detectives said. No one else was injured.

Detectives believe Jonathan knew his killer.

“We know that Jay was targeted, but what we don’t know is why and who is responsible,” said Chief Larry Giddens during a news conference.

During the news conference, they showed photos of a woman, and said they’d like her identified. Investigators believe she’s somehow connected to the case.

Sgt. James Roberts- Lakeland Police

“Just based on leads that we have received and video of course," explained Sgt. James Roberts of the Lakeland Police. "This video was taken in the area. We just think that she’s a person of interest."

There's a chance, he said, she could be armed and dangerous.

Besides the person of interest, Sgt. Roberts and the family were hesitant to provide any more information.

“Please understand that I’d love to stand here this morning and provide you with specific regarding this investigation," said Sgt. Roberts. "However, due to many moving parts, I simply can’t do that at this time."

Anyone with tips can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.