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The murder of Hadiya Pendleton has shaken us to the core and as her family begins to grieve their loss, more action is being taken and her father has recently spoken out to the press.

Thursday afternoon, police the reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting had increased to $24,000, up from $11,000 announced Wednesday and as community members marched in memory of the slain teen today, officials announced the reward has been increased to $40,000.

VIDEO: Heartbreaking! Hadiya Pendleton Made PSA Against Gang Violence Before Her Death 

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and other police officials announced the increased reward in advance of an anti-violence march in her honor that left from her high school, 4445 S. Drexel Blvd.

Hadiya had just finished her final exams at King College Prep, and was hanging out with friends from the school’s volleyball team when she was gunned down Tuesday in Harsh Park, just a week after she performed during President Barack Obama’s inaugural festivities.

As the search for her killer continues arrangements for the funeral of slain Chicago teen were announced Friday.

According to WGN, on Feb. 8th a visitation will be at Calahan Funeral Home, at 7030 S. Halsted St., from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. A wake and funeral will follow on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at the Greater Harvest Baptist Church, at 5141 S. State St.

According to reports, tips on the incident have been pouring in. Police Supt. Garry McCarthy told NBC Chicago:

“Fortunately, the community is stepping up and giving us everything that they’ve got, from rumors to whatever they know,”

He continues:

“Something’s gonna pan out.”

DETAILS: President Obama Called Hadiya Pendleton’s Family To Give His Condolences!

Hadiya’s father, Nathaniel Pendleton spoke out on the murder of his daughter to reporters and in the video below he starts off with, “they took the light of my life,”

He continues:

“Just look at yourself, just know that you took a bright person, an innocent person, a non violent person. This kid didn’t like violence at all, didn’t even like to fight, avoided a fight.”

Lastly he says:

“She was destined for great things, you stripped that from her”

Students and community leaders held a rally at Harsh park, distributing flyers which ask for help in finding the killer of Hadiya Pendleton in Chicago yesterday.

The loss of Hadiya Pendleton is truly heartbreaking. We pray that justice is served and send our condolences to the friends and family of Hadiya.

View photos of the community rallying together for Hadiya in the accompanying gallery.

SOURCE: AP/Chicago Tribune/NBC