ST PAUL, Minn. — Homicide investigators regularly say that guilt, changing relationships and time are often factors that can lead to cracking a cold case.
There's another thing that can convince someone who knows something to share information: Cold, hard cash.
An anonymous donor has stepped up to offer a $10,000 reward in hopes of solving the 1988 murder of Cheryl Prokop. Police say someone entered Prokop's residence at the Vista Village Townhomes in St. Paul 35 years ago on Dec. 2 and strangled her. The victim's 4-year-old daughter discovered her lifeless body and went to the caretaker's office to get help.
“We’ve waited for 35 years to understand why Cheryl was killed and who did it," her father, Dick Prokop, said. "Nothing can bring her back, but maybe this reward will help lead to some answers. If you know what happened, please report what you know.”
While no one has been arrested or charged in Prokop's killing, St. Paul police say they have been active in trying to keep the investigation alive.
“We as a department never forget victims and their families who are left behind seeking answers,” said Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry in a news release. “We will continue to seek those answers and are committed to providing closure for families and bringing every offender to justice.”
The reward is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who murdered Prokop. If you know something, contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at 877-996-6222, contact the agency via email or through the See it Say it Send it tip app.
Tipsters can remain anonymous.
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