CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video features previous reporting on this story
Investigators in Northeast Ohio are continuing their search for Hakeem-Ali Shomo, who is wanted for his role in the Alishah Pointer murder. Now the United States Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for his capture.
The 30-year-old Shomo is currently wanted by the East Cleveland Police Department in connection to the torture and homicide of Pointer. The warrant for his arrest was issued on November 10.
Six suspects have already been arrested in connection to this case. Four of the six suspects appeared in court Monday as Britttany Smith, Portria Williams, Anthony Bryant and Nathaniel Poke Jr. all pleaded not guilty to the felony charges facing them, including murder. Judge William L. Dawson issued each a bond of $2 million. Their cases were also transferred to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Two other suspects in the case are in police custody. Indya Pauldo is awaiting her hearing, while 17-year-old Destiny Henderson's case is currently in juvenile court.
Police officials believe several members of the group, if not all, took part in kidnapping Pointer earlier this month. Investigators think assailants struck after suspecting that Pointer had information relating to a homicide that took place in Cleveland on Nov. 2, possibly the shooting death of Aminjas Zion Shomo, a relative of Hakeem-Ali Shomo.
Pointer's body was found inside a burned-out home on Savannah Avenue in East Cleveland last week after police received a tip that a body was in the basement of the house.
Those close to Shomo are reminded that providing assistance can result in criminal charges.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Shomo, call the US Marshals Tipline at 1-866-4-WANTED. You can also send a web tip here: http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
Previous Reporting: