A large reward is being offered after police say an 8th-grader from the Hudson Valley murdered an innocent teen girl.

On Monday, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner held a press conference in Yonkers City Hall announcing the suspect in the homicide investigation of Marilyn Cotto Montanez.

Jamir Thompson, 15, of Yonkers is accused of fatally shooting Montanez late last week. On the day of the murder, Thompson stole a gold chain from another person, police say. Later that day that person, Thompson and others engaged in a dispute in the area of Lake Avenue at Morningside Avenue, where it is alleged that Thompson displayed a handgun and fired at least one shot in the direction of the other group.

The bullet fatally struck Montanez, an unintended target and innocent victim, police say. A 9MM cartridge casing was recovered from the scene.

Thompson fled the area and is believed to be hiding somewhere in the region or outside New York State, police say. Authorities believe Thompson is receiving assistance from third parties.

The Yonkers Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Thompson.

Yonkers Police
Yonkers Police
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Additionally, anyone found to be harboring Thompson may be subject to arrest and prosecution, police say.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of THOMPSON is encouraged to contact the Yonkers Police Detective Division at (914) 377-7725 – all calls will remain confidential. 100% anonymous tips can be sent by texting the keyword YPD plus the tip to 847411.

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