The reward for information about the death of a Louisiana State University student has soared as police have yet to find those responsible for her death, WBRZ-TV reports.
On September 16, 21-year-old Allie Rice, a senior at LSU, was shot to death while waiting at a railroad crossing in her car early in the morning in Baton Rouge.
Investigators presently believe that Rice was shot as a random act of violence. Audio from a surveillance recording and witness statements indicate that someone fired about a dozen shots into Rice’s vehicle.
A restaurant that her family co-owns and where she worked had initially offered $10,000 for information leading to those responsible. However, this week the restaurant announced that it was offering up to $50,000 for information that leads to criminal charges, according to WBRZ-TV.
Restaurant co-owner Chez Ciccone said another business also contributed to the reward amount. The massive increase in the reward “tells us that there are people concerned in this city,” Ciccone told WBRZ-TV.
Crime Stoppers is offering its own $5,000 reward.
Rice’s father, Paul Rice, said he appreciates the public’s support while he and his family grieve Allie’s death.
“Our family and friends and even people we don’t know have just been absolutely phenomenal through support, bringing food, financial donations, just their attendance at the visitation,” Paul Rice told WBRZ-TV.
A dinner in Rice’s memory is scheduled for October 13. Tickets for the event are $100 and the proceeds will be used for a fund.
Authorities have not publicly said that a suspect or motive has been identified. Police have inquired with Uber about whether any ride share drivers were in the area at the time of the shooting and if those drivers might have seen anything, WAFB-TV reports.
Law enforcement is planning to install surveillance cameras in the city in the wake of Rice’s killing.
To report information about Rice’s murder, call the Capitol Region Crimestoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).