Reward Offered for Info that Leads to Murder Suspect

Reward money of up to $75,000 was offered today for information that helps police solve the killing of an 80-year-old Encino man who was gunned down in his home.

Harvey Cohen's wife found her husband mortally wounded about 2:30 a.m. Sept. 19, in their residence in the 5300 block of Andasol Avenue, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

Cohen died at a hospital.

“Our family lost the most wonderful husband, father, and grandfather of six,” Cohen's widow, Sandra, said at a news conference at LAPD headquarters.

“Someone came into our home, and murdered my 80-year-old, defenseless husband,” she said. “What kind of person would do such a thing? That person is still in our community, and is a danger to everyone watching this press conference.”

LAPD Capt. William Hayes said the couple had hosted a family dinner earlier that evening, but were alone at the time of the killing. Hayes declined to speculate on a possible motive for the crime, but said, “nothing (was) taken, as far as we know.”

“We're really imploring anybody that saw something -- no matter how minute it may seem to them -- to come forward and provide us with information so that we can continue to develop leads and further this investigation.”

A $50,000 reward was offered by the Los Angeles City Council, and a $25,000 reward was offered by Cohen's family, for information leading to the identity, arrest, and prosecution of the suspect or suspects responsible for the killing.

“We can't repair the harm done, but we can certainly eliminate a threat to society, and help bring some closure to the family,” City Councilman Paul Koretz said.

Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call Detectives Carrillo or King at (213) 486-6890, or (877) LAPD-247.

--City News Service