SMPD, private investigator ask for help in solving murder case
POLICE HDQTRS. — Police are still working to resolve Santa Monica’s only homicide of 2003, and residents with information could stand to pocket $25,000 if they help out.
Jalonnie Carter, 19, was gunned down near his 20th Street apartment in the eastside Pico neighborhood last September. A suspect was arrested in connection with the crime, but was later released after prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him.
Authorities will ask the City Council on Tuesday to increase the reward for Carter’s killer from $1,000 to $25,000, said Santa Monica Police Department Lt.
Frank Fabrega. It’s unknown from which City Hall budget the reward money would be taken.
Last month, a group of police officers distributed 1,000 fliers near the scene of the shooting, asking residents to call an anonymous tip line with any information related to the crime. If the information leads to an arrest, informants were promised a reward of up to $1,000 in cash.
“The person(s) responsible for Jalonnie’s murder is still unidentified and free to roam the streets of our community,” the flier reads. “The family of Jalonnie Carter needs justice. Our community wants justice. If you have any information regarding the murder of Jalonnie Carter or the person(s) involved, you are seriously urged to call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.”
So far, the WeTip flier hasn’t produced any leads, Fabrega said.
Recently launched in Santa Monica, WeTip is an anonymous tip line first established by a retired police officer in Rancho Cucamonga. Callers are given a three-part code name and password. If their tip leads to a conviction, they can pick up a reward of up to $1,000 in cash at any post office in the United States.
Jim Vuchsas, a private investigator retained by Carter’s parents, said Tuesday his ongoing investigation into the homicide hadn’t uncovered any leads in weeks.
“We’re just turning stones — and turning up empty,” he said, later adding he hopes the.22-caliber pistol used to shoot Carter still will turn up. “Gang bangers don’t like to get rid of guns.”
Vuchsas said he cut his bill in half and stopped charging for the ongoing investigation because the Carter family is on a fixed income. In exchange, the family recently fixed a dinner of short ribs, sausages, corn bread and peach cobbler for Vuchsas and his 10 staffers.
Carter’s family recently announced their plan to take out a loan and offer their own $25,000 reward, Vuchsas said, adding police responded by saying they planned to ask the City Council for money to offer an identical reward. Carter’s family is now waiting to see what the City Council decides.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 7, 2004. Read the original PDF.