BOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- They will not release cause of death or a possible motive, but police need your help to solve a fiery and fatal crime. And now, a desperate family has added $5,000 to the reward for an arrest and conviction.
This is the first time Hattie McConnell has been to the crime scene, a remote Boyd County spot off Highland Park Road. The house wasn't here until recently and it's the first time she's seen the picture of her son Robert Sammons’ burned out Camaro where his incinerated body discovered inside.
Trooper Elliott Gollihue with the Kentucky State Police said, “We've made great strides in the case, but no arrest, and I want to make an arrest.”
On October 28, 2005, 35 year old Robert Sammons’ body was found in his torched car and an arson and murder case began. The lead investigator, who won't release cause of death and won't pinpoint a possible motive said Sammons, a South Shore day laborer, had no real enemies and no ongoing feuds.
Gollihue said, “Everybody said he was a good guy.”
His mother said the guy they all called “Robo” once put his life on the line while during a gas station hold up.
Hattie said, “He chased the robber, and was on his cell phone with police.”
Trooper Gollihue said this is just one of several files on a murder case that has made significant progress.
Police have conducted over 100 interviews and they have people of interest. Now, they just need a few bits of vital information to take this murder case to court.
Gollihue said, “We know someone knows some vital info, we need to hear from them.”
Hattie said to find out who and why someone killed her son is why she lives and survives. She said she wants justice and closure.
Detectives said they need to talk to some people who wrote anonymous letters about the case. They say you can call from a pay phone if need be.
Anyone who might help find Robert Sammons killer, please call the Kentucky State Police. They need your information, not your name.