Person Of Interest Questioned In Murder Of 6-Month-Old Jonylah Watkins

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 27, 2013 2:45PM

A person of interest is being held at Area Central police headquarters in the murder of Jonylah Watkins, the 6-month-old girl who was shot five times in a drive-by shooting in March.

A source told the Sun-Times the suspected gunman was targeting Jonylah's father, Jonathan Watkins, possibly in retaliation for a burglary where a video game console was stolen. Jonathan Watkins was changing his daughter in a minivan when the murder occurred.

The Rev. Corey Brooks, who has been counseling Jonylah's parents since her murder, said they've been cooperating with police in order to find the killer. Brooks also showed his support for Jonathan Watkins, who has an extensive criminal history. Brooks said Watkins is now working, looking to earn his GED and has seen an outpouring of support from the community.