'I forgive you': Mother of teen killed by Buckeye driver begs for answers
BUCKEYE, Ariz. - It's been almost five years since 16-year-old Anaiah Walker was struck and killed in Buckeye.
No suspect has been found.
What they're saying:
"Today would have been my daughter's 21st," said Walker's mother, Sherika Rhymes, in an interview on April 21.
Flowers, balloons, and a sparkly pair of shoes adorn Walker's gravesite for her golden birthday.
Her family is seeking answers nearly five years after her tragic death.
Billboards go up in Buckeye seeking more information on teen's 2020 homicide
Two digital billboards were put up in Buckeye to encourage anyone with information to come forward about the 2020 homicide of a teenage girl named Anaiah Walker.
What we know:
On May 22, 2020, the 16-year-old was struck while standing in the median of I-10 near the Watson Road exit in Buckeye. The driver took off, leaving Walker dead.
"We want answers," Rhymes said, holding back tears. "My family is here today. I don't stand alone. We're exhausted."
Prior to her death, police say she had been a victim of child sex trafficking. But the rest remains a mystery.
Silent Witness is offering a $12,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Reward increased in teen's hit-and-run death in Buckeye
Anaiah Walker, 16, was found dead on the I-10 median west of Watson Road on May 22. Investigators say Walker died after being hit by a car.
Investigators were able to determine some details about the car that hit Walker.
"Detectives gathered up broken car parts left at the scene, tested and analyzed them, and were able to determine the unknown suspect was most likely driving a 2016-2018 Honda Civic LX or LE," Buckeye Police Spokesperson Carissa Planalp said.
Walker's family says someone out there knows why and how exactly she died. They're asking for answers.
"I forgive you already, I do. I've asked the most high to forgive you as well, and give you a conscience to come forward," Rhymes said.
Map of the area where the crime happened:
What you can do:
Anyone with information can call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.