Colusa ups reward to $10K for alleged murderer

A search for the suspected murderer of a Colusa woman is ongoing. And while the Colusa Police Department and United States Marshal’s Office offered a cash reward for the suspect’s whereabouts, the city voted to double the amount.

Tuesday night, the Colusa City Council voted to up the reward money for Salvador Garcia Jr. to $10,000, according to a press release issued by the Colusa Police Department. The United States Marshal’s and Colusa law enforcement initially offered $5,000.

City officials did not return requests for comment at the time of publication, and Colusa Police Chief Josh Fitch declined to comment.

Salvador Garcia Jr., 22, is wanted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, and mother of his child, Karen Garcia, 21. She disappeared back in January and was later found dead in a Woodland parking lot after an extensive search by loved ones and law enforcement. A coroner later determined Karen Garcia was killed by “blunt force trauma to the head,” according to Appeal-democrat archives.

Although he initially helped with the investigation, Salvador Garcia Jr. went missing after law enforcement found blood inside his apartment and car. He is the main suspect in Karen Garcia’s murder.

A budding nonprofit named in Karen Garcia’s memory plans to help increase the reward for Salvador Garcia Jr. Karen Garcia’s former coworkers, bosses and friends at Granzella’s restaurant in Williams decided to form Karen’s House – a future domestic violence shelter in Colusa County.

“As soon as we get our 501 nonprofit approved we’ll be full-steam ahead,” said Tootie Hackett, founder of Karen’s House and manager at Granzella’s restaurant.

Karen’s House organizers plan to host fundraisers for the future domestic violence shelter and the reward money for Salvador Garcia Jr., Hackett said. Fundraisers will be posted on the Karen’s House Facebook page. Salvador Garcia Jr.