Family wanting answers about Bloomington teen’s death offers reward ‘so my baby can be at rest’

ILLINOIS TEEN FOUND DEAD, FAMILY OFFERING REWARD FOR INFORMATION!

Authorities in Bloomington are continuing to investigate the death of a 16-year-old high school student that officials have ruled a homicide.

Mariah Kletz, a sophomore at Normal West High School, was found dead inside her home on Canada Lane on Feb. 7.

Investigators have not publicly released many details about what happened, but authorities confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide.

The death has shaken the community and prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement.

As the investigation continues, Mariah’s family is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the case.

Her father, Michael Kletz, said the family hopes the reward will encourage someone with knowledge of what happened to come forward.

“If anybody can provide us with any information so we can get to the bottom of this, so my baby can be at rest,” he said.

Authorities have not announced any suspects or arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bloomington Det. Ryan Strebing at 309-434-2537 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, tips may be submitted to the crime and intelligence analysis unit at 309-434-2963 or [email protected] , texting 847411, the keyword BPDTIPS, followed by a space and the tip.

BACKSTORY:

Bloomington police officers were dispatched at 10:46 a.m. on Feb. 7, 2026, to a residence on Canada Lane for a reported cardiac arrest. Paramedics with the Bloomington Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers and paramedics located a juvenile female and immediately began life-saving efforts. Despite those efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene by the McLean County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner identified the teen as Mariah Kletz, 16, of Bloomington. She was officially pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. on Feb. 7.

Her family claims she was beaten to death. Her aunt posted this onto her Facebook:

“My niece Mariah Kletz was murdered brutally beaten to death. I am hurt, sad, lost every emotion you can feel my family is feeling them all right now, but most of all I’m angry. I’m angry that nobody is talking about this. Someone in Bloomington, IL beat a 16 year old child to death and they need to answer for that. I am asking everyone to start talking, talk to your friends, families, your children, the police. If anyone knows something even if you think it’s not important please please speak up. Put yourself in our shoes what if it was you or your child who is no longer here. I CAN NOT STAND THE SILENCE ANYMORE! HELP US FIND JUSTICE FOR MARIAH

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) – As the community continues to mourn, questions remain about what led to the death of a 16-year-old Bloomington teen a month ago

Normal West High School sophomore Mariah Kletz was found dead inside her home on Canada Lane on Feb. 7, and authorities are treating the case as a homicide.

Now, the family is offering a cash reward of $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in Mariah’s death. They hope the reward will encourage someone to come forward and provide answers and justice for Mariah.

Her father, Michael Kletz, describes Mariah as a bright, promising teenager whose life was cut short. “If anybody can provide us with any information so we can get to the bottom of this, so my baby can be at rest,” he said.

Others say Mariah was the kind of person who could light up any room, and who would give the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone.

Her maternal grandmother, Lori Hiatt, said that compassion ran deep in Mariah. “She cared for everyone, just like her mother, and she gave everybody the benefit of the doubt. She would never leave anyone behind,” said Hiatt.

Bloomington Police and McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder have not said how Mariah died, nor have they released autopsy results, They’re only calling this a homicide and an isolated incident.

Death of 16-Year-Old Girl in Illinois Being Investigated as Homicide, Police Confirm

Police have confirmed that the death of a 16-year-old girl in Bloomington, Illinois, is being investigated as a homicide.

Bloomington Police and the McLean County Coroner’s confirmed that Mariah Kletz was pronounced dead at her home on Canada Lane on February 7, according to 25News.

The incident was initially being treated as a death investigation, though police are now considering it a homicide investigation.

The police and the coroner’s office said that preliminary information suggests Kletz’s death was an isolated incident. In light of the findings, they insisted that there is no threat to the public.

Florida Authorities Charge Teens with ‘Horrific’ Murder of Girl, Setting Her Body on Fire

Despite confirming that her death is now being investigated as a homicide, police have not shared any additional information as of time of publication.

The Bloomington Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment.

Following Kletz’s death, her grandmother told 25News that she is heartbroken over the situation. She also said she had contacted police about Kletz’s death, though hasn’t received any additional information.

Normal West Community High School, where Kletz was a student, previously shared a statement with the students and staff about the tragedy.

“We have some extremely sad news to share with you. Our Normal West family has experienced a tremendous loss. Sophomore Mariah Kletz died over the weekend,” the statement began, per 25News. “We know that this news will affect each student and staff member differently. Those needing support in expressing their grief should report to 233 Virtual lab where we will have school guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and other trained support staff who will be available to guide students and staff who may need a shared space and/or more information on how best to deal with this situation. Attendance will be taken for 7th and 8th hours for students who are reporting to the room 233 support space.”