By Bay City News
Authorities investigating the mysterious murder of a 21-year-old college student earlier this month, think a cash reward will get witnesses talking, and the community demonstrated agreement by donating more money to a reward fund.
The reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the death of Maria Hsiao has increased to $42,000, the Palo Alto Police Department announced today.
Contributions came from various community groups after the City of Palo Alto offered an initial reward immediately after the slaying.
Hsiao, a San Francisco Academy of Arts film student from San Leandro, was standing in front of the Alma Street nightclub, The Q, with a group of friends on June 10, when she was gunned down.
On June 9, Hsiao, her older sister and three friends, went out to eat at Miyake Restaurant, a popular sushi destination in Palo Alto. They then agreed to go dancing with a couple of men who they met at the eatery. Around 12:20 a.m., as they were leaving The Q, a loud pop was heard. The club-goers realized this to be a gunshot, and several of them ducked.
Despite the number of people also standing outside the club at the time of the shooting, police say no one has come forward with any information. Investigators say they still have no motive for the shooting and no suspects.
The Bay Area Chinese Bible Church in San Leandro, The Q, the Downtown Marketing Group of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, and the Palo Alto Peace Officers Association have all added funds to bolster the reward amount.
“Everybody knew her on a personal level, even if they didn’t know her at all,” said Becky, a staff member of the church, who requested only her first name be used. “Maria volunteered for the church and told me how much she loved what she was doing. She was everything everybody says she was. Maria was a wonderful individual.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Jim Coffman at (650) 329-2558. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Palo Alto Police Department’s tip line at (650) 329-2190. |
