Reward offered for tips in death of pregnant woman

Detroit — Bionka Lyons was looking forward to the birth of her baby son who she had named Carter.

But both of their lives were cut short Wednesday after the pregnant 21-year-old was fatally shot outside the home she shared with her parents on the city’s west side.

“She was vibrant, bubbly, positive. She represented none of this negativity,” said Lyons’ cousin Darika Davis during a Crime Stoppers of Michigan news conference Friday. “She was a very positive person... She did not deserve to go in this manner at all.”

The organization is offering a $2,500 reward for tips leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. An additional $1,000 reward is offered for a successful tip received by midnight, officials said.

According to police, Lyons, who was seven months pregnant, was shot multiple times around 11 p.m. Wednesday as she exited her car outside her family home in the 10000 block of Crocuslawn, west of Griggs. Her return home at that time was part of her usual routine, her cousin said.

Robbery does not appear to be a motive, police said.

“This does appear that this was an intended victim,” said Lt. Michael McGinnis, DPD homicide section during the news conference. “We are open to all possibilities at this time.”

As of Friday, no suspects have been identified, McGinnis said. It is unclear if the suspect fled in a vehicle.

Lyons worked for the United States Postal Service.

Anyone with information is asked to make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or by calling Detroit Police at (313) 596-1616.

Meanwhile, Lyons’ family has created a GoFundMe page to help offset the cost of funeral expenses.