Governor Schwarzenegger Offers Rewards for Information in Two Unsolved Murder Cases

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today offered rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for the following two unsolved murder cases in California. The following is a brief description of each crime and the reward amount offered:

On July 5, 2007, 42-year-old Martin Macareno was beaten to death in a detached garage located in Greenfield. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Greenfield Police Chief Joseph P. Grebmeier.

On March 1, 2009, 31-year-old Travis Williams was attending a party at a friend’s house in Fresno. A fight broke out and shots were fired. Travis was struck in the chest and died as a result. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Fresno Police Chief Jerry P. Dyer.

Under the Governor’s Reward program, 253 rewards have been offered since 1967 and 19 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.