BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Police Department is displaying a billboard and social media video in an effort to encourage residents to speak up to help solve murder cases.
The first billboard was unveiled on July 15 on Cherry Street and Michigan Avenue.
It asks for information about Jazzmine Fomby's death – a 14 year old girl who was shot and killed on Jefferson Ave following a May 4 party.
"No child should lose their life due to gun violence," said Fomby's mother, Angel. "If anyone knows anything it would be encouraging for them to go to Buffalo Police or call the tipline because our family is definitely grieving still from this situation."
Crime Stoppers WNY is offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
BPD created a video from Fomby’s family to encourage those to speak up.
"We know for a fact that there were a significant amount of people at the homicide. We know for a fact that there are witnesses and that people know something," said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. "They can come forward and put this case over the top so that we can make an arrest and at least get some level of closure or comfort to the family."
Mayor Byron Brown intends that the initiative will inspire people to come forward.
"It’s our hope that when people look up at this first in a series of billboards, and see Jazzmine, they also pick up their phone and pass along information to advance or solve this crime," he said.
The billboard will be up until mid-August. The city will continue with a new billboard and family video every month, added Brown.
"We, quite frankly, are heartbroken, we're angry, but one thing is for sure we all want answers," he said. "We want those who commit homicides in our community to face justice."
Billboards have been used before, but BPD aims that the family video on social media will spur people to bring information.
"We hope they will touch the hearts of people who have information to come forward," said Brown.
BPD Commissioner Gramaglia added the City is using "drug money," or asset forfeiture money, to cover the $1200 cost of the billboard. BPD is also posting flyers around the area, hoping those with information to come forward, said Gramaglia.
So far this year, the city of Buffalo has had 22 murders. Fourteen of them have been cleared, adding to the total of 26 murder cases cleared in 2024 so far, noted Gramaglia.
"If you saw something, say something. No detail is too small," said Mayor Brown.
If you have information regarding the case, call 716-867-6161.
