HAMILTON, Ohio – The reward for information leading to firefighter Patrick Wolterman's killer has increased to $25,000 through generous public support, Hamilton police announced Tuesday.
The original $10,000 reward "generated a significant number of leads that our detectives are busy following up on," said Chief Craig Bucheit.
"It also spurred many organizations and public and private individuals to pledge their financial support for solving this case. It’s through their generosity that today I am able to announce a new reward amount."
The reward is specifically for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible for the house fire at 1310 Pater Ave., that led to Wolterman's death on Dec. 28.
The Ohio fire marshal ruled that the fire was arson, and police are investigating Wolterman's death as a homicide.
Wolterman, 28, died after falling through the floor to the basement.
"I would like to thank the community for the incredible support they’ve shown all of us over the past couple weeks and ask that they continue to keep Patrick’s family and his fellow firefighters in their thoughts and prayers," Bucheit said.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Hamilton Police detectives at 513-868-5811 ext. 2002, or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
