Half-million dollar reward in Grim Sleeper murder case extended

Dec. 2, 2009 | By Cheryl Devall | KPCC
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The Los Angeles City Council has extended until June a $500,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of a serial killer known as the Grim Sleeper. Authorities believe the suspect is responsible for the deaths of 10 women and one man in South L.A.

The homicides happened in two clusters – between 1985 and 1988, and again from 2001 to 2007. The “sleeper” in the suspect’s nickname refers to the 13-year lull between killings.

Law enforcement officials say the killer raped many of the victims before he shot them with a small-caliber handgun and dumped their bodies. Authorities hope that one of the biggest rewards the L.A. City Council has ever offered will convince someone who knows about the suspect to come forward with information.

The survivor of one attack 21 years ago described the suspect as a black man in his twenties who drove an orange Ford Pinto. Tipsters with more recent information about the man – now in his forties or early fifties – may stay anonymous. They may call a toll-free number, 877-LAPD-24-7, or leave tips at the department Web site, LAPDOnline.org. A billboard campaign seeking tips will also launch soon.

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