On the morning of July 14, 2020, 13-year-old Mercedes Holford and her 37-year-old mother, Crystal D. Andrews, were found shot to death inside their home in the 500 block of S.W. 5th Street in Topeka, Kansas. Mercedes, known as Sissy, was born April 23, 2007, had just finished seventh grade at Robinson Middle School, and enjoyed basketball and making TikTok videos. Family remember her for a big heart and a playful spirit.

Topeka police responded to a report of a shooting just before 2 a.m. The case remains an active investigation with no arrests announced. Investigators released a surveillance image of a person of interest seen walking near the home that night, and a combined reward of $22,000 — including a $20,000 anonymous donation to the local Crime Stoppers fund — has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

If anyone knew Mercedes or saw activity near S.W. 5th Street the night of July 13–14, 2020, please contact authorities with tips.