Montgomery County prosecutors are putting up a $2,500 reward for information that finally cracks the 2011 stabbing death of Jessica Manzanero, a 29-year-old mother found slain inside her Norristown apartment. Her landlords discovered her lying face down in a pool of blood at the residence on the 500 block of East Moore Street, and investigators say she likely died on or about May 2, 2011. Detectives have recently re-examined the case after new leads surfaced and are again asking residents to speak up.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Norristown police were called to the apartment around 9 p.m. on May 4, 2011, and the Montgomery County coroner determined Manzanero died from multiple stab wounds. DA Kevin Steele wrote that "Montgomery County Detectives never give up on an unsolved murder" and that "recently, new information about this murder has been discovered by detectives," a development that prompted the renewed public appeal. The DA's office says the $2,500 reward will be paid for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction.
County Touts Strong Cold-Case Record
As detailed in the District Attorney’s 2024 annual report, the office reported a 100% homicide clearance rate in 2024 and a nine-year average clearance above 96%. Prosecutors say tactics like re-examining old evidence and renewing outreach to potential witnesses help keep cold cases active instead of forgotten. That track record of persistent investigative work forms the backdrop for the latest push in the Manzanero investigation.
Detectives Say New Tips Could Break The Case
In a statement quoted by NBC10 Philadelphia, DA Kevin Steele urged anyone with information to come forward, saying "no detail is too insignificant" as detectives chase down the newly discovered leads. The $2,500 reward is meant to nudge witnesses who might have stayed quiet in 2011, or who have since moved away, to finally contact investigators. Officials reiterate that only tips resulting in an arrest and conviction will be eligible for the reward.
How To Pass Tips To Detectives
Anyone with information is asked to call Montgomery County Homicide Detectives at 610-278-3386, according to the District Attorney’s office. Investigators say even small details can become crucial when old evidence is re-examined and new leads are pieced together. Residents who remember anything about Norristown in May 2011 are urged to reach out as soon as possible to aid the investigation; more information on how to report tips is available from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office.
Manzanero was a mother of two, and officials say they hope the renewed attention will bring long-awaited answers for her family. Anyone who remembers seeing or hearing anything suspicious in Norristown around early May 2011 is strongly encouraged to contact homicide detectives.
