Billboards Go Up Advertising Reward in Atlanta Man's Murder

By Patch Editor Péralte Paul

Editor's note: On Thursday, Jan. 16, billboards and posters will go up in several locations, to bring the Patrick Cotrona murder case back to the forefront and advertise the $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his killer or killers. Crime Stoppers Atlanta is working with the city to highlight the case, in which police say they have exhausted all leads. The Controna family wrote the following open letter to the metro Atlanta community:

A letter to the citizens of metro Atlanta:

On May 25 of 2013, the Cotrona family was momentously saddened to lose our beloved Patrick, who was murdered in East Atlanta while walking from his home to a local restaurant. Our family has received an enormous amount of love and care from our extended family and friends as well as from the Atlanta community at large. We could not have emotionally survived such a loss without your support.

It has been nearly eight months since Patrick’s murder, and the police have exhausted all leads, which means the possibility for justice seems to be fading. We refuse to accept this.

Along with private donors, the mayor’s office has generously set aside a $25,000 reward through Crime Stoppers to incent those who have knowledge surrounding this heinous crime. Our family and friends believe that those who have critical information may not be aware of the monetary incentive; therefore, we have taken steps to publicize the reward in hopes that someone steps forward and provides the right lead.

As of Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 (weather permitting), billboards and posters will be up in areas of East Atlanta and Dekalb County, advertising the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Patrick’s murderers. Look for these advertisements on I-20; the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Candler Road; and in various locations around South Dekalb Mall.

We would like to thank you for all your continued support, and we hope that 2014 will provide our family and Atlanta citizens with much-deserved justice.

Peace and thanks,

— The Cotrona Family