Families of Shaqoya Butler and Kenji Simeton plead for justice following their slayings

BELLE GLADE, Fla. - It has been one week since Shaqoya Butler and Kenji Simeton were slain, but no arrests have been made.

Tuesday, Shaqoya's mother Ethel along with Kenji's family members spoke begged the public for information to help investigators solve their slayings.

Kenji Simeton was killed during a gunfight on July 9 on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Several others were shot during that shooting but survived.

Shaqoya Butler was gunned down while driving in her car in Belle Glade.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has placed signs in bus stops offering up to $15,000 in reward money for both killings.

Investigators say they've had a tough time getting people to come forward in the small community but think they're very close to making an arrest.

Detectives said they believe the suspects in both murders are related, but need a few more strong witnesses to piece together their findings.

Carletha Davis, Kenji's aunt, said the crimes are senseless.

"Somebody knows something out there. Everybody just wants to be hush hush," Davis said. "If your family member got killed you'd want someone to say something as well."

Kenji was raised by Vera Adams who tried to speak Tuesday, but was overcome with emotion.

Ethel Butler is now left with the task of raising Shaqoya's three kids because of her daughter's death.

"My oldest granddaughter asked me the other day, 'Grandma can they fix her?' I wish they could. I wish they could," Ethel replied."Whoever you are please just come forward."

Two families looking for closure and a change in their community.

If you have any information you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.