Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information in the murder investigation of a newlywed shot and killed Wednesday night as he enjoyed his first snowfall, less than three weeks after he moved to Dallas from Iraq.[[295400001,C]]
Ahmed Adnan Ibrahim Al-Jumaili, 36, was taking photographs and enjoying his first snowfall at about 11:40 p.m. with his wife and brother when at least one person began shooting in their direction.
He was shot in the chest, shouted out "I'm hit" and ran back to his apartment. He died just after midnight at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.
Investigators admitted Friday afternoon they had few leads in the murder investigation, but were hoping someone would come forward with information that would lead to an arrest.
Witnesses saw as many as four male suspects in their late teens or early 20s enter the gate of the apartment community on foot, Dallas Police Department's Maj. Jeff Cotner said Friday; the group was then seen headed toward an area near where Al-Jumaili and his family were enjoying the snowfall.
Moments later, several shots were fired from what police believe was a rifle. Cotner said ballistics tests were being done to determine what type and how many guns were used in the shooting.
Cotner said a better description of the group was not available, because prior to the shooting they had not been perceived as a threat.
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Alia Salem, the executive director of the DFW Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said they were involved in the investigation early over concerns the motive may have been racially or religiously motivated.
"There has been a heightened sense of awareness of hate crimes agains Muslims," said Salem. "In the initial evidence that was presented, we don't have a reason to believe that this was a hate crime motive, however that's not being ruled out at this time."
The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking for the public's help in finding Al-Jumaili's killer.
The reward offered by Crime Stoppers is for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. Tipsters can remain anonymous and should call 214-373-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can also contact Detective Montenegro with the Dallas Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 214-671-3624, and refer to case number 49093-2015.
Coming to America
Al-Jumaili had been a contractor for an Internet company in Baghdad and often worked with the U.S. Army and Air Force, his father-in-law Mohammed Al Taae said.
He moved to the United States about 20 days before the shooting to marry his wife. He had been working toward the move for more than a year.
"He just bought a car," Al Taae said. "[He was] trying to find a decent job to start his life."
Al Taae said he can't believe Al-Jumaili escaped ISIS and other dangers in Iraq, only to die in a random shooting in Dallas.
Al Taae said his family needs answers.
“If you have any kind of information that’s going to help the police, come forward and tell the police about it. All I can say is justice will take its way,” Al Taae said.
Al-Jumaili's funeral and burial will be held Saturday in North Texas.
NBC 5's Amanda Guerra contributed to this report.
