By Savannah Morning News
February 4, 2000
Publication: Savannah Morning News (GA)
Page: 12A
Word Count: 210
The family and friends of a tourist shot dead in Savannah have offered a
reward to help catch the killer of schoolboy Jonah Bryant.
''We deeply regret the loss of Jonah, '' said Damon Vasilkioti,
whose mother, Gail, was shot Sept. 12 during a robbery on East President
Street. Vasilkioti, 56, of Larchmont, N.Y., died six weeks later.
Bryant, 15, was shot dead last month trying to protect his mother from a robber at their home on East 37th Street.
The
Vasilkioti family and friends Thursday offered a $1,000 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of Bryant's killer.
''When
my mother was shot, we were told this just doesn't happen,'' Damon
Vasilkioti said. ''Of course, they were referring to black-on-white
crimes.
''As evidenced by this most recent
murder, black-on-black or black versus white should have no relevance.
An innocent person lost their life. Color bears no weight in this
matter.
''A son lost his life defending his mother, a chance which I did not get.''
The
$1,000 will be added to the existing reward to catch Bryant's killer.
The Savannah Automobile Dealers' Association recently donated $2,500 to
add to the $2,500 already offered by Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information on the Jonah Bryant shooting can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 234-2020.
Savannah Morning News (GA)
Date: February 4, 2000
Page: 12A