A $50,000 reward for information in the unsolved case of Ricky Torres who was murdered in his home. Anyone who wishes to, can contact Sgt. Fred Perez and the Greenfield Police department at 674.5111. Also available is the WeTip Line at 800.78.Crime, which allows for anonymous crime reporting 24 hours.

Last week, the office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the offer of a $50,000 reward for information in four unsolved cases in the State of California.

The announcement may bring some help bring justice to a local family whose son’s case was one of the four.

The parents of Ricardo Cordova Torres Jr. (better known as Ricky to his friends and family), Avelina and Richard Torres, have hoped for justice in the death of their son that took place in May of 2004 and have not let his case fall by the wayside.

“I will always do what I can to bring justice to my son,” said his mother, Avelina. “It has been a long six-months, but Governor Schwarzenegger came through.”

There has been one arrest and conviction in conjunction to his murder, but there were others involved.

The governor’s reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for this unsolved case.

Greenfield Police Chief Joe Grebmeier requested the reward, in hopes that more information will come in leading to the arrest and conviction of other parties involved in the case.

Under the Governor's Reward program, 269 rewards have been offered since 1967 and 20 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.

The Greenfield Police are actively pursuing Ricky's case and are in need of information. Anyone who wishes to, can contact Sgt. Fred Perez and the Greenfield Police department at 674.5111. Also available is the WeTip Line at 800.78.Crime, which allows for anonymous crime reporting 24 hours.

“It has taken six-months but this is just one hurtle,” Avelina said. The family plans on distributing flyers and hanging them in store that will permit it. They are also looking into hiring a billboard to help spread the word.



For the complete article see the 03-03-2010 issue.

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