Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dorner Reward Donors Now Don't Want to Give Their Money
File photo: Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck gives a briefing on the case of Christopher Dorner on February 7, 2013 (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
()
The $1 million reward offered for the capture of former Los Angeles Police Department officer-turned-killer Christopher Dorner was the result of numerous individuals and organizations donating funds to the cause, however now some of those people and groups are withdrawing their contributions.
There are two issues that seem to be prompting donors to reconsider, or rescind, their donations, according to the L.A. Times. First is the fact that the reward was put forth for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Dorner, however in the violent ultimate standoff at the cabin in Big Bear, Dorner committed suicide after a shootout with authorities.
However, for some unspecified donors, the issue is who is seeking the reward:
Underlying their objections is a moral argument that donors will not make publicly. Some find the claims for the money unseemly. They believe reward seekers had called police to report they were victims of crimes by Dorner and now seek to profit from their brief encounters, which left them unharmed, during a rampage that devastated the families of police officers and of others he killed.
Support for LAist comes from
So far, there have been two claims on the money. One from Rick Heltebrake, the camp ranger who was carjacked by Dorner, and the other by the couple who were tied up in their own cabin by Dorner before he took off in their vehicle.
A total of 25 donors put up money into the reward pool.
Ron Cottingham, president of the 64,000-member union Peace Officers Research Assn. of California--a group whose own pledge for the reward has been placed on hold--told the Times he's spoken to some groups, and they say the reward now does not "fit their criteria."
The LAPD says it would be "disingenuous" for the groups to pull back their money because of how the manhunt ended or who is seeking the reward, and believe the amount should be paid.
While there had been some contention about the intent and phrasing of what the reward money was to go to, "arrest and conviction," or "identification and capture," for example, Chief Charlie Beck ultimately assured the public the money was for the "capture and conviction" Dorner, a statement that is now being thrown back in the LAPD's face by donors backing out.
A spokesperson for L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says that regardless of whether certain donors remove their contributions, the reward amount will remain fixed at $1 million.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist