$25,000 Reward Offered for Leads in Killing

Los Angeles police detectives announced a $25,000 reward Wednesday for information leading to the arrest of a killer who gunned down a Whittier software designer in Boyle Heights on July 26.

Police found computer software designer Bruce Cleland, 43, lying in a pool of blood across the street from his car at 1 a.m. on a dark residential street. His wife, Rebecca, told police that an assailant had struck her over the head when she got out of the car to check the tailgate.

The couple was returning to their Whittier home after eating dinner at a restaurant in Boyle Heights. Police said they have a suspect, but need more information to make an arrest.

Bruce Cleland was shot once in the upper torso through an open passenger window. He staggered out of the vehicle, trying to escape, and the shooter--firing several times--pursued him across the street, scattering shell casings on the asphalt, police said.

The only item reported missing was Rebecca Cleland’s wedding ring, police said. His wallet and her purse were not taken.

Anguished family members said Bruce Cleland was a shy man and scholar who was married in January. His father, Harold, said his murder “was devastating. I could hardly handle it, and I’m barely holding up now. It’s a tragic loss.”

Anyone with information about the crime can call the Hollenbeck Homicide Detail at (213) 526-3002.