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Woman allegedly stole donations meant for murdered girl's family

Tammy Wynnell Crews, 46, is accused of stealing a donation jar from a restaurant meant for the family of slain 7-year-old Heidy Rivas-Villanueva, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

STORY: Family of 7-year-old killed in shootout grateful to JSO for hard work, protection

Heydi was shot in the head while sitting in a car on 103rd when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting, JSO said. She died at Wolfson Children's Hospital.

According to police, a citizen tip led to Crews' identity. A lieutenant spotted her walking on 103rd just after 3 p.m. Saturday and started talking to her, police said.

JSO said on Facebook that Crews spontaneously uttered that she had a crack pipe on her and, after being arrested, Crews said she used the money to "support her crack cocaine addiction."

Police said the jar contained an estimated $600.

JSO asked for the public's help in identifying Crews after she was seen in surveillance video taking the donation jar at El Tapatio Restaurant on 103rd.

A JSO officer was waved down on Friday outside the restaurant when employees noticed the jar was missing.

Crews was arrested for grand theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grand Theft Suspect Sought

Grand Theft Suspect Sought - Please Share On Friday, August 17, 2018 a JSO officer was flagged down at the Tapatio Restaurant located at 7900 103rd Street in reference to a theft. The complainant reported that a donation jar had been stolen but no one realized this occurred until the following day. This donation jar was intended for the family of Heydi Rivas-Villanueva, who had been shot and killed at the location recently. The complainant stated that the jar had an estimated value of $600.00. The suspect appears to be a white female, 35-45 years old with blonde hair. Anyone who has any information in regards to the identity of this suspect is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email us at JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Posted by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Saturday, August 18, 2018

Cox Media Group

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