Derrick Rose is not the type of player who would do something for publicity. His level of talent alone makes him a superstar, but Rose is a very private person. This is a guy who wouldn’t even dance like the rest of his teammates at the All-Star Game last year. That’s why you know the murder of 6-month-old Jonylah Watkins must have really hit home for him.
According to WLS-TV in Chicago, Rose has offered to help cover the funeral expenses for Jonylah and the Watkins family. The infant was shot five times and killed on Monday night as her father, Jonathan Watkins, was changing her diaper in their car. Jonathan Watkins is currently in critical condition.
The killer remains on the loose and police had not taken anyone into custody as of Tuesday evening. In addition to Rose, many others from the community where the tragedy took place have donated money to a reward fund to help track down the murderer. On Tuesday night, the fund stood at $11,000.
“These persons who committed this horrible crime, we guarantee you they will be brought to justice,” Corey Brooks said, speaking on behalf of the Watkins family.
Flyers have been handed out around the neighborhood in an attempt to encourage people who may have information about the killer to come forward. Even if justice is served, it will never erase the unspeakable tragedy. The only hope is that it could help the family and the community begin to heal.
