Family, Deputies Hand Out Flyers In Year Old Death Investigation
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – On the shore of Deerfield Beach behind the Embassy Suites Jay Harper was found dead a year ago. The tide washed up some of the evidence, there are no witnesses and the case is cold. Monday night, his family from Connecticut is in Florida hoping to solve the mystery.
Karen Harper, Jay's widow, said "We're here because a year ago my husband came down for business and he didn't come home. For all we know he was attacked and that attack led to his death and we don't have any answers."
Desperate for closure and answers the family of 47-year-old Jay Harper revisits the exact spot on the shore where he was found dead a year ago.
Jackie Harper, Jay's mother said, "We're all like what the hell happened here he wasn't confrontational he wasn't any of these things."
Jay's mother and widow remain emotional as questions have yet to be answered. They arrived in Deerfield with a goal and had a strategy in mind.
Karen said, "We have to come down here periodically so people know that you know what we're missing this wonderful man, his children are missing him, his entire family is missing him and we just want to get some answers."
Jackie said, "For him to be out of their lives and we don't know why it's just something we can't ever stop looking for."
On October 17th 2012, a Wednesday, Jay, a father of three, was walking on the beach behind the Embassy Suites. He was later found dead. Investigators say his death was suspicious from the start.
"People always say 'oh what happened' and for us to say we don't know it's very, very difficult. It's hard to move on. It's been a very, very, very hard year," said Karen.
Jay's family added $5,000 to the reward and also took to the streets with flyers hoping to reignite interest and new leads.
"When he walked down that walkway, rolled up his pants went down on that beach 11:23:19 and something happened to him, traumatic. Why? And any of you would want to know that," said Jackie.
The medical examiners cause of death is undetermined but BSO is investigating Harper's death as a homicide. With the family's additional $5,000 added to Crime Stopper's $3,000, the reward is up to $8,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.
Anyone who recalls seeing the Harper or who was near the Embassy Suites the night of October 17th and may have information that can help the investigation is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).
