In an effort to encourage people to come forward, the organization is providing higher rewards for anonymous tipsters in any active or cold case homicide.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — First Coast Crime Stoppers has expanded its reward offerings, hoping to encourage more people to come forward with information to help solve local murder cases.
The nonprofit organization announced Friday that, effective immediately, cash rewards of up to $5,000 will be provided for information that leads to an arrest in any active or cold case homicide in the following Florida counties: Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford and Union. Previously, it was up to $3,000.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” said FCCS Executive Director Chase Robinson in a news conference. “It was made because too many families are still waiting for answers. Too many mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who wake up every day carrying the weight of loss, wondering if someone out there knows the truth.”
Robinson highlighted a recent case that, following a FCCS tip, resulted in the September murder arrest of 14-year-old Keyon Byrd. The teen is accused of shooting and killing an 18-year-old on the Westside; the tipster reportedly received a $5,000 reward.
“This case marks the 137th homicide case solved by a Crime Stoppers tip,” said Robinson.
Other solved cases are showcased on the organization’s website.
The goal of the increased reward is to incentivize people who may otherwise refrain from sharing critical case information. One of the biggest chilling factors for potential tipsters is the fear of being identified and retaliated against; First Coast Crime Stoppers highlighted how it keeps its informants safe.
“Your identity is never known,” said Robinson. “That’s not a promise; It’s a fact guaranteed by Florida statute.”
He said callers are never asked for names or other identifying information, and things like phone numbers and IP addresses are encrypted before ever reaching FCCS or law enforcement.
Anyone with information on local homicide cases is encouraged to reach out.