Do case rewards mean as much as in the past?

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – The recent search for an alleged shooter in Central Kentucky led to two people receiving $25,000 for the discovery of the body.

However, sometimes, it’s not that easy. For some cases with rewards, it can take years or even decades to solve.

That raises a question. Do case rewards mean as much as in the past?

A couple of local law enforcement officials weighed in on their thoughts. Sgt. Todd Ringle with Indiana State Police says it isn’t so much as the reward as is the number of tips that come in.

“I can’t even remember a case we were involved in where a reward was offered,” he said. “One thing we have to worry about when a reward is offered is the number of tips that come in that don’t lead us to anything important.”

Henderson Police Department Public Information Officer Jason Cullum said it depends on a number of variables. Some variables that were included are the type of crime, the amount offered for the crime, people that have information and one’s personal thought process.

Cullum says there are different dynamics involved.

“There are active high-profile cases that have yet to be resolved.” he said.

Cullum also said the biggest fear someone may have when debating on whether to come forward is retaliation from the accused party.

“There may not be any amount of money that can be enough due to fear,” he said. “If they call and say there is a reward for this person, that can lead to the requirement to testify in court where identity is not guaranteed to be anonymous.”

Cullum pointed towards the Dawnita Wilkerson case as an example. Wilkerson has been reported missing since 2020. Cullum said there has been an active reward offered for the unsolved case.

Cullum commented there have been a lot of cases that have been solved with no reward.

“A lot more crimes that a reward is not offered, those cases far outweigh those that are offered,” he said. “A lot of cases are solved before rewards would be given.”

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