BALTIMORE — Baltimore police have identified a person wanted in connection with the fatal July shooting of a Milford Mill Academy student.
Ex-boyfriend Christian Hursey is wanted in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Jada Sellers.
Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $8,000 for a tip leading to an arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering an additional $3,500 reward for an arrest, making the total reward $11,500.
Baltimore police warn the public not to approach Hursey as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Sellers' cousin, Reverend Heber Brown III tells WMAR-2 News Hursey was long believed to be the prime suspect. He says, her parents Eric and Latarsha Sellers had opened their home to him. They are now leaning on faith during this difficult time.
“To have to try to get through these tough moments with a rational, intellectual approach, you run out of roadway very quickly because it doesn’t make sense," he said. “Jada Sellers is a lovable, brilliant, beautiful member of our family we have a large and loving family and Jada was one of the shining stars.”
The teen was critically wounded in a shooting in the 700 block of Lyndhurst Street on July 31 following a party. A spokesperson with Baltimore City Police confirmed to WMAR-2 News that Sellers died from her injuries on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Sellers was entering her senior year at Milford Mill Academy, a community that has sent a wave of love and support to her family and loved ones.
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"The loss of a young person can have a significant impact on students, staff, families and friends. We recognize that this news may be especially difficult for those who knew the student personally, as well as for classmates, teammates, friends and others who may be grieving," said Milford Mill Academy Principal Tryalah Shipman in a letter to the Milford Mill Academy community.
"MMA Athletics extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jada Sellers. Words cannot express our feelings during this unimaginable time! Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers," Milford Mill Athletics posted on Instagram.
'Justice for Jada'
Family is calling on anyone who may know something to report it to the proper authorities.
“If they know something to share that information with the proper authorities so that we can make sure that we secure justice for Jada," Brown said.
Tips submitted to Metro Crime Stoppers through its 24-hour hotline at 1-866-756-2587 or through the P3 Tips app can remain anonymous.
The Sellers family is also working to turn their pain into purpose.
“We also, as a family, have a fire underneath us now to address violence against women and girls. We’ve seen many recent high-profile cases that have saddened our hearts, and we never knew that this would knock on our door too," Brown said. "We're going to do everything we can to partner with organizations and individuals to challenge violence against women and girls so that this does not become another story that families have to live."
