County Accepting Reward Claims Connected to Search for Christopher Dorner

Individuals who believe they're entitled to all or a portion of a $100,000 reward offered by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for information leading to the arrest of ex-cop-turned-alleged- murderer Christopher Dorner have two weeks remaining to file a claim.

The county is accepting reward applications connected with the Dorner case until April 19.

Dorner is suspected of killing four people, including a Riverside police officer, during a February spree that ended with the fired Los Angeles police officer taking his own life after being surrounded by authorities at a cabin near Big Bear.

The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 13 approved a $100,000 reward for information leading to the murder suspect's apprehension. Dorner had died the day before, but because his remains had not been positively identified, the board went ahead with posting the reward.

The money was made available for multiple claims or a single one, depending on claimants' eligibility, according to county officials.

One claim has been filed to date -- by Boy Scout camp manager Rick Heltebrake, officials said.

Following the claims deadline, a three-judge panel will weigh claimants' information and consider the recommendations of the county in deciding whether and how much money should be disbursed.

Former federal jurists Lourdes Baird and Robert Bonner, both of whom served on the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, along with former California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno, will sit on the panel.

The judges will submit a written assessment to the board, which has the ultimate say as to whether anyone receives reward funds.

Last month, the city of Riverside rescinded its decision in February to contribute $100,000 toward a million-plus-dollar reward for information leading to Dorner's arrest and conviction. City officials said his death made it a moot issue.

Police believe Dorner went on a 10-day killing rampage of revenge against law enforcement officials whom he blamed for his 2008 firing from the LAPD. He is thought to have killed Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain; San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremiah MacKay; Monica Quan, the daughter of a retired LAPD captain; and Quan's fiance, Keith Lawrence.

More information about the county's reward and how to file a claim is available at http://www.countyofriverside.us.

-City News Service