Group Is Recognized for Aid in Slaying Case

A community organization founded in response to the 1995 slaying of Jane Carver near Mile Square Regional Park has been honored by the City Council for helping police find a suspect and raising money in the victim’s name for a scholarship fund and reward.

The group, Friends of Jane Carver, accepted a certificate of recognition from Mayor John J. Collins, the City Council and Police Chief Elvin G. Miali.

The Friends worked tirelessly to help police find a suspect in the slaying and raised reward money, officials said.

“From Day One, they jumped in and gave our family support,” widower Al Carver said. “I can tell you in the last two years that the response has just been phenomenal.”

Returning home from her morning jog, Carver, 46, was shot in the face June 10, 1995, a block from her home near Mile Square Regional Park.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Leonard Owen Mundy, 42, accused of first-degree murder in a slaying that authorities allege was a contract killing gone awry because of mistaken identity.

In a related matter, the Friends are hosting a 10K run at 8 a.m. Sunday in Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., to raise money for a college scholarship in the victim’s name. The entry fee for Janie’s Run for Youth Scholarships is $20 for adults and $15 for those 19 and under.

At a similar event last year, organizers drew 1,000 runners and raised $65,000 over six months. On May 15, the group awarded 10 Orange County teenagers $3,500 each.