Tragedy struck East Palo Alto on February 8 when Frank Finney was brutally stabbed on Bell Street near University Avenue. Finney fought for his life before succumbing to his injuries on March 2 at Stanford Hospital, shocking the community and sparking a search for the perpetrator. The East Palo Alto Police Department has been rigorously investigating the incident but has yet to apprehend the suspect. According to a press release, the suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a mustache seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt.
In a bid to solicit crucial information that could lead to an arrest, the authorities have made a public appeal seeking the occupants of a white SUV, which appeared to bear witness to the February attack. A video surveillance footage shows the vehicle in proximity to the scene. Police Chief Jeff Liu emphasized the need for those individuals to come forward and aid the investigation, stating, "We need the occupant(s) of that vehicle to contact us as soon as possible with the vital information they may have," as per the Chief’s Community Update.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, Mothers Against Murder - Advocating for Victims of Violence is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone whose information can to directly lead to the arrest and conviction of the assailant. This offer, noted in both the latest community update and the initial press release, hopes to incentivize potential witnesses or informants to step forward within the next 90 days.
The East Palo Alto Police Department is reaching out to the public for assistance, reminding that while anonymous tips are welcome and valued, direct contact yields the most immediate response. They are seeking details on the suspect's actions, characteristics, and any vehicular connections potentially tied to the crime. The community is urged to use several available anonymous tip lines provided, including a business phone number, email, and text message options. Commander David Santos stressed the significance of accurate information stating, "Not only will your tip provide us with accurate information about the suspect, but we are also able to serve as a witness to the crime and we can testify in court," according to the February 4 press release.
