INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) – An Indianapolis family is hoping reward money will lead them to answers about who killed their mother.
Police have received few leads since JoAnn Highwood was found beaten to death in September of 2017.
“She was beaten so bad that you couldn’t recognize her face. You couldn’t tell it was her,” said Jennifer Highwood, JoAnn’s daughter. “She was hit in the back of the head several times. Hit in the face.”
After nearly a year and a half Jennifer and her brother, Keith, say they need justice for their mother.
“With it being a year and a half with no answers, I don’t even have to words to explain how I feel,” said Keith Highwood.
JoAnn Highwood was discovered in her home on Dollar Forge Drive by another daughter.
At the time, police said they had an idea of who was responsible but haven't been able to make an arrest.
Highwood left behind eight children, six of which she adopted.
“She devoted her life to being a mom and a sister and a family person. She was probably the best woman I knew,” said Jennifer. “She lived everyday happy and full of life and full of joy and someone like that doesn’t deserve this.”
Highwood’s family is offering a personal reward of $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of her murderer.
“Everyday I think about it. There needs to be justice. And this person walks free,” said Keith.
“It isn’t fair the person that did this needs to pay,” said JoAnn. “In terms of healing for our family this is everything. It’s all we have left.”
If you have information on the crime, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS.