Family Makes Tearful Plea For Help In Richmond Fatal Stray Bullet Case
RICHMOND (CBS SF) – Police in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon offered a new clue as well as a reward in the death of a janitor who worked at KPIX 5.
56-year-old Miguel Ramirez was killed in May after he was struck by a stray bullet outside his Richmond home.
The gunfire came from an argument about 500 feet away. His family joined Richmond police officers at the news conference.
Police said a Dodge Durango was seen driving away from the scene. According to Richmond police, one person was brought in for questioning.
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That person was arrested, but has since been released for lack of evidence.
The family is still heartbroken over their loss.
"My dad did not deserve to go that way. I still need him and I'm pretty sure my sisters need him too," said tearful daughter Erica Ramirez. "I just hope that people help us out. If you saw or know anyone who knows who did it, please come forward."
Richmond police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspected gunman.
Richmond police said a week after the shooting, they arrested the suspected getaway driver in the shooting, but they had to let him go because of lack of evidence, as well as a new California state law: SB 1437.
The law makes it difficult for authorities to charge getaway drivers and other accomplices in murders unless the person was the actual killer.
"We know this person was involved. We know that for a fact," said Sgt. Aaron Pomeroy of the Richmond Police Dept. "And we can't press charges against that person yet because we're looking for more evidence."
"It has made it much more difficult to prosecute individuals who may not have actually pulled the trigger."
Those who did pull the trigger in Ramirez's case are still at large and that's what his family said keeps them up at night.
"At least if we get that person, we'll get that peace of mind that justice was served," said Erica Ramirez.
Anyone who has information in the case is asked to give Richmond police a call.
