Reward Offered for Leads in Ice Cream Man’s Death

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry announced a $50,000 reward Monday for information about the slaying of a 63-year-old ice cream vendor nearly a month ago.

Eliseo Marciano Reyes was fatally shot Aug. 27 while selling ice cream at the intersection of San Pedro and 56th streets, according to Los Angeles police.

A man and woman approached Reyes’ truck and demanded ice cream, police said. When he refused, the man pulled a gun and shot Reyes. Police said the couple returned to their car -- a light blue or silver four-door, possibly a Ford Tempo -- and drove south on San Pedro Street.

Perry said she hopes the reward will prompt tips that will help police solve the case. “The criminals who did this must be caught in order to find some peace for his family and to find justice for our community,” she said Monday at a news conference on the corner where the killing occurred.

“This murder was not just a crime against one individual, but it is a crime against our entire community,” Perry said.

Perry said she will ask her fellow City Council members today to finance the reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of those responsible for Reyes’ death.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Homicide Det. Frank Weber at (323) 846-5363 during normal business hours. At night and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll-free detective information desk at (877) 529-3855.