DeLand, FL - The Volusia Sheriff's Office is offering a $15,000 reward for information in the death of 21-year-old Jarius Cook.
Druing a press conference on Friday, several of Cook's family members stepped up to ask the community to come forward with information in his death. His aunt said Jarius was part of the community. "Please. Jarius was a bright 21-year-old, with a future ahead of him. He was a musician for our community and he was a good young man. So from my family to the community, please say something about what happened with Jarius."
VSO Sargeant A.J. Pagliari is the lead investigator in this case. He says he's been working the Spring Hill area and homicide cases for ten years and he knows that tips from the community are very important. But, he emphasizes that word on the street and third party information will not stand up in a court of law. "We've had success in this neighborhood. So it's going to take those individuals that have the courage to step and then testify. I assure you, I've got the full backing of the Sheriff and we will do everything in our power to make sure that Jarius gets justice."
In closing, Jarius' aunt said, "We need justice for Jarius and our prayer as a family is that God shakes you, you don't be able to sleep, eat or sit still until you turn yourself in or to whoever saw it, come and turn yourself in, as well."
