$10,000 Violent Crime Reward Fund Under Consideration by City

The city is expected to establish a reward fund for information about and the apprehension of suspects responsible for recent violent crimes, including a shooting at Villa-Parke that left two people dead and a third person in critical condition.

If approved by the City Council, the city will establish a revolving $10,000 reward fund.

Rewards would be offered on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the chief of police, for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons whose willful misconduct results in injury or death to others.

Cristino Medellin Avila, 51, and Aaron Perez Flores, 40, were killed in the 3 p.m. shooting on Dec.1.

The victims were sitting on a park bench when they came under fire, police said in a written statement. The attacker or attackers are believed to have fled the area in a dark-colored sedan.

No further suspect description was available, nor were further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting.

According to police, the victims did not have gang ties. 

“In recent months, the city of Pasadena has been plagued with crimes of violence in the community,” according to a staff report.

Pasadena has seen more than 20 people being shot this year in more than 50 gun-related incidents. 

“From time to time, it may be useful to offer a reward for a particular incident in order to keep justice for the victim in mind, to generate clues toward solving a crime and to put pressure on the perpetrator from the knowledge of a reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction,” according to a staff report. 

“Therefore,” the reports states, “it is proposed that the city establish a reward fund to motivate witnesses to come forward in order to bring justice for the victims of violent crime.”

If approved, Police Chief John Perez would establish operating guidelines for the program subject to review by the city’s senior internal auditor and approval by City Manager Steve Mermell.