$5,000 reward in shooting of teen in Port Richmond

PORT RICHMOND (WPVI) -- The family of a teenager who was nearly killed by gunfire last month is asking for the public's help in their search for justice.

13-year-old Diamond Santiago was struck by a stray bullet on May 29th while standing on her front porch in Port Richmond.

Now, as the girl sits in a hospital bed, her family is asking the public for help finding those who did this to her.

"I know someone knows something. They just gotta speak up and help us," her mother said.

Diamond is on her fourth week in the hospital, she's endured seven surgeries, but her mother's plea is for one person to come forward and provide a tip that will lead to her daughter's shooter.

Her mother says, "I'm angry because I know that it happened to her, it happened to other kids, and no one is doing anything about it because they don't want to speak up."

Diamond Santiago was visiting her stepdad on the 3500 block of Stouton Street when two people opened fire. She was hit in the stomach, and the bullet ripped apart her internal organs.

Her mother explains, "She's fighting infections right now. Her liver was damaged very bad...so that's the part they are kind of concerned."

Lt. Harold Lloyd from East Detectives says, "We know people out there know the identities of these individuals. Unfortunately, we live in a time where the no snitching rule is in wide effect."

On Stouton Street today residents remained hush. Many watched the Esperanza Academy 7th grader get gunned down, yet they still won't speak.

The Fraternal Order of Police is hoping a $5,000 reward for information leading to just an arrest will motivate.

Bob Ballentine from the FOP says, "We don't have to wait for a conviction. We don't have to wait for a protracted legal process or appeals. Information leading to an arrest."

Diamond's uncle, Damon Santiago, says, "If you know anything, speak up. I'm a father. It could have been my daughter, your daughter, your niece. Speak up. Let's do it, not just for my niece Diamond, but for all the other kids out there."