Sum in Businessman’s Murder Is Among Largest Offered : $200,000 Reward in Ambush Death Posted

A $200,000 reward was offered Friday for information leading to the solving of last summer’s ambush slaying of wealthy Los Angeles businessman George Patarias Huck.

The amount is among the largest rewards ever offered in connection with a murder investigation in the United States.

Huck, 46, a Greek immigrant, was shot several times on the evening of Aug. 22, in front of his Mt. Olympus home as he returned from soccer practice.

Anthony M. Glassman, a Beverly Hills attorney representing the Huck family in probate proceedings, said Friday that the $200,000 reward was being offered by the family so that “we can break this thing as quickly as possible.”

Born George Patarias, Huck (he changed his name to better his chances in the business world, he told friends) arrived in New York almost penniless at the age of 19. Taking work in the textile industry, he was transferred in the 1960s to California, where he ultimately made his fortune.

Most of Huck’s wealth was concentrated in his Los Angeles-based women’s and children’s clothing companies, although in recent years he had branched out into real estate development and the breeding of Arabian horses. The clothing business is currently being run by Huck’s two brothers, Constantine and Andy Patarias.

Lawyers representing the victim’s former wife, Sana Huck, who is contesting her ex-husband’s estate, have estimated the slain man’s net worth at between $10 million and $20 million. The couple divorced in 1982.

Glassman noted that the original reward offer was $50,000 and that the new offer will last only 30 days in an attempt “to expedite the investigation” of the murder. The attorney said the new reward was not aimed as criticism of the ongoing, “very thorough,” police investigation.

Los Angeles police detectives investigating the murder could not be reached for comment Friday. Police have not released any details of their continuing investigation of the slaying nor have they indicated if they know of any motive.

The Patarias family requested that all inquiries about the reward be forwarded to attorney Glassman at (213) 272-1535.

The $200,000 far exceeds the $140,000 in individual rewards offered in 1978 to solve Los Angeles’ Hillside Strangler slayings. In 1983, two $250,000 rewards were offered in the East: one by Yeshiva University in New York for information on shootings on and near the school’s campus, and by a North Miami insurance adjuster to solve an $11-million gold theft.