Reward Offered in Grosse Pointe Dayschool Teacher's Death

Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,500 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who shot to death a 46-year-old Detroit woman who was a preschool teacher at an area preschool located on Mack Ave. 

Marion Harris' death is under investigation by Detroit Police. She was shot to death outside of her East Grand Boulevard apartment April 14 during what police have said started as a purse snatching. 

The man is described in a Crime Stoppers release as 25 to 30 years old, about 5-foot-5 with a medium build and medium complexion, black with a full beard. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-773-2587. He approached her about 7:30 a.m., trying to take her purse from her and then shot her several times near Jefferson and East Grand.

Harris, who would have turned 47 Sunday, taught at the preschool for several years and primarily worked with children who are younger than 2.5 years old, said parent Nancy Richard, of the Pointes.

"She was a second mother to my son (Troy) who is now 3.5. When Marion was his primary caretaker, my son called me Marion quite often," Richard said in a written message. "She taught him manners, colors, concepts like up and down, and loved to give the babies little treats every now and then. She was a lot of fun and the kids and parents adored her."

Richard said Harris was proud of her son's accomplishments and when he reached various milestones. 

"She was truly proud of him, and all of the kids," Richard said in a written message. "She asked for his school picture every year. I'm sure she had kids' pictures all over her apartment."

Teachers gathered at the school Sunday to release balloons in her memory. It would have been her birthday, Richard said, who also noted the school arranged for grief counselors to be on hand for parents Wednesday.

Many of the parents of children who attend Grosse Pointe Dayschool are discussing how to tell them of Harris' death. There is also discussion of doing a memorial for Harris, such as planting a tree or releasing balloons from the school, but parents are still trying to determine just what to do, Richard said.  

Attempts to reach Harris' family are being made by Patch.

Visitation is being offered at Swanson Funeral Home Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the funeral is scheduled for Saturday.