Mayor Ignacio Velazquez and other city officials are set to consider increasing the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the suspect accused in the Aug. 1 shooting homicide of Ariana Zendejas.
Velazquez made the announcement Monday about officials’ intention to weigh increasing the reward to $25,000. The city Monday afternoon posted an agenda for a 6 p.m. Tuesday meeting to consider an allocation of no more than $50,000.
Police are looking for Jose Barajas, 20, as the primary suspect in the shooting that killed Zendejas, 19. 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 the mayor wants to increase that figure to $25,000. City officials expect to set a special meeting for Tuesday in order to approve the expenditure from the general fund, Velazquez said.
“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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