Vigil for Terrell Mayes Jr., toddler killed in 2011

Marsha Mayes, Terrell Mayes, Jr.
Marsha Mayes and her son Terrell Mayes, Jr., 3, who was killed Dec. 26, 2011, when a stray bullet passed through the exterior of Mayes' house and hit the boy in the head.
Courtesy of the Mayes family

A community vigil will be held this evening in north Minneapolis to remember a toddler killed by a stray bullet in 2011.

Organizers of the vigil say Terrell Mayes Jr. would have celebrated his fifth birthday today. They will gather in his honor from 5 to 8 p.m., near 26th and Colfax Avenue North.

The bullet that killed Terrell was fired from outside his home. His mother said the toddler was trying to hide from the sound of gun shots and was struck while trying to climb the stairs to safety.

Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau said she keeps a picture of Mayes on her desk, and has hung a poster in the window of her office that announces a $60,000 reward for information in the case.

"[It] serves as a reminder for everybody, everyday," she said. "I want Terrell to be fresh in their mind. We need to keep working until we bring this case to justice for Terrell and Marsha, his mother."

Harteau said no arrests have been made in the case, and investigators have followed up on all the leads they've received so far.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.