California Governor Schwarzenegger Offers Rewards for Information in Six Unsolved Murder Cases

10/10/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued six rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for each of the following murder cases in California, all of which remain unsolved.

The following is a brief description of each crime and the reward amount offered:

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* On November 19, 2006, the evening before his fourth birthday, three-year-old Ethan Esparza was playing outside his house when he was struck by gunfire. The suspect exited a vehicle and fired shots at the house, striking three-year-old Ethan. Ethan died later at the hospital. To date, his murder remains unsolved. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Pomona Police Chief Joseph V. Romero.
On May 7, 2006, 23-year-old James Guajardo and 28-year-old Sisavath “Si” Souksangouane were killed when gunshots where fired during an altercation at the La Vie Restaurant and Bar in Stanton. To date, their murders remain unsolved. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona.
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On March 16, 2006, 20-year-old Elbert Lee and 21-year-old Fang Vang were shot to death during a gang-related attack in Fresno. Law enforcement believes this to be a case of mistaken identity. To date, their murders remain unsolved. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Fresno Police Chief Jerry P. Dyer.
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On May 29, 1997, 72-year-old Louise Macias was killed in her Merced apartment. To date, her murder remains unsolved. Merced Police Chief R. L. Thomas has asked for a $40,000 increase to a $10,000 existing state reward offered by former Governor Pete Wilson, making the total reward amount $50,000. The Governor has approved a reward in the amount of $50,000.
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On March 8, 1999, 20-year-old Juan Martinez was shot to death during a drive-by shooting in Hayward. To date, his murder remains unsolved. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Hayward Police Chief Lloyd Lowe.
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On February 4, 1979, 23-year-old Michael Olsen, 17-year-old William Baumgartner and 18-year-old Tracy Anderson were shot execution-style during a robbery at a Payless Super Drug Store in San Mateo. To date, their murders remain unsolved. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by San Mateo Acting Police Chief Michael P. Callagy.
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In these six cases, the Governor granted the reward amount requested by law enforcement.

Under the Governor's Reward program, 214 rewards have been offered since 1967 and 18 have been paid. The reward process is initiated when the Governor receives a written request from the chief of the law enforcement agency with investigatory jurisdiction over the matter. This request informs the Governor that (1) those responsible for the investigation have pursued all leads and believe, in their independent judgment, that a reward will help them in their efforts, (2) the crime is one for which a reward may be offered under California law, and (3) the victims' families support the reward. The Governor's legal affairs unit processes the request and ensures statutory compliance. The Governor makes the final determination regarding the request.

Rewards may be offered for specified crimes under the California Penal Code and subject to statutory maximums. Rewards do not expire and are only paid if the information leads to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the individual or individuals charged with the crime.

Source: California Governor