City of Riverside Reneges on Dorner Reward

The city of Riverside is rescinding its pledge to contribute $100,000 toward the $1 million-plus reward that was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of L.A. cop-turned-accused- murderer Christopher Dorner, a city spokeswoman said in remarks published today.

The Riverside City Council passed a resolution in February for information leading to the "arrest and conviction" of Dorner, according to Riverside spokeswoman Cindie Perry. But "because the conditions were not met, there will not be a payment of a reward by the city," she wrote in an email Monday night, the Los Angeles Times reported .

Dorner was never arrested. Instead, he died of a self-inflicted wound in a burning cabin while surrounded by law enforcement on Feb 12. There have been two claims to the  reward money since then -- by a couple near Big Bear whose car was stolen and who were tied up by Dorner, and another by a man whose pickup was taken by the ex-cop.

Although more than 25 donors pledged reward money, many are hesitating to follow through.

"I've spoken with some groups -- including a few that are substantial -- that have already decided to withdraw their pledges," Ron Cottingham, president of the 64,000-member union Peace Officers Research Association of California, which has placed its own pledge on hold pending additional information. "They said the reward doesn't fit their criteria."

The Los Angeles Police Department, responding to the arguments donors have made publicly, said the money should be paid.

Police believe Dorner went on a 10-day killing rampage of revenge against law enforcement officials whom he blamed for his 2009 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.

—City News Service