Grandmother found murdered in East Oak Cliff home

Dallas police are asking for the public's help in finding the person or persons responsible for the murder of a 45-year-old Oak Cliff woman.

Sheila Prater was found dead in her home about 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Concerned family members called police when they could not reach their loved one.

The mother of two and grandmother of five died of homicidal violence. Sheila’s son made the discovery. Police have little to go on.

Sheila was found dead at her home at 3433 Key Ridge Drive in East Oak Cliff. Her loved ones are trying to make sense of it all.

“She’s always been so loyal to me and do anything I asked her to do,” said Rev. Charles Prater, Sheila’s father.

Charles says Sheila lived alone. Her son, Travonte Prater, called police when she couldn't be reached by phone as he drove to her house.

“From the moment I pulled up, I was on the phone with dispatch. They helped keep me calm all the way up until the point of me going in,” Travonte said. “I had to know. I had to see. I had to act.”

Police say Sheila died of homicidal violence.

“She was always my hero, and I told her that,” said June Prater, Sheila’s brother. “Even growing up, I always wanted to be like her. Even though I was the bigger brother, she was my big sister.”

Sheila’s family can’t understand why she was killed. Her son says he’ll take who Sheila was with him.

“She was a wonderful mother. Very loving. Very giving. Would give her absolute last just to see someone else smile,” Travonte said. “I’m gonna definitely always going forward try to be the brightest spot I can be in somebody’s life.”

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the death of Sheila. Call Dallas Crime Stoppers or Det. Brian Tabor at (214) 671-3605.