Hollister council members Tuesday voted 3-1 to allocate $50,000 toward potential rewards for information in local crimes, including $25,000 offered for help in the Aug. 1 killing of 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas.
Council members agreed to increase the reward offer to $25,000. That will be available to nonprofit partner WeTip, which had been offering $1,000.
Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia had the lone dissenting vote. She cited concerns about ongoing negotiations with employee groups as her reasoning for the vote and asked about pursuing outside funding for the reward money.
Police are looking for Jose Barajas, 20, as the primary suspect in the shooting that killed Zendejas. Police believe Barajas fired from one vehicle into another, which included Zendejas as a passenger, at B and West streets the night of Aug. 1. Investigators allege it was in retaliation for a confrontation earlier that day between the suspect and another male.
Investigators believe Barajas is holding another female, Vanessa Flores, 20, against her will as well.
There had been a $1,000 reward in the case, but Mayor Ignacio Velazquez wanted to increase that figure to $25,000 and brought it to the council.
“It’s time we put it out there and get the community to start helping,” Velazquez said.
Police Chief David Westrick on Friday said authorities suspect Barajas may still remain in the area and that others are likely helping him stay concealed.
“We need more help,” the mayor said. “There’s a girl out there.”
Additionally, Flores’ family held a prayer vigil at Las Brisas Park on Saturday night in hopes of her safe return.
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