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Rewards increased in Somer Thompson, Cliff Backmann cases

Posted by Sandra On November - 3 - 2009

First Coast Crime Stoppers announced today enhanced rewards in the search for Somer Thompson‘s killer and a Riverside rapist, while a fresh reward has been offered in the slaying of a construction worker in Jacksonville.

The reward in Somer’s case is now at $45,000 with the increase of $10,000 announced this morning by Wyllie Hodges, executive director of Crime Stoppers. The 7-year-old Orange Park girl disappeared two weeks ago while walking home from her elementary school. Police have received 2,400 tips, but no arrests have been made and no suspects have been named.

An offer of $11,000 is being made for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the Oct. 9 robbery and fatal shooting of Cliff Backmann, 56. The Green Cove Springs man died while cleaning construction debris at a building near Interstate 95 and Butler Boulevard. He was able to call 911 to report the attack before dying, but police have yet to release that tape.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Tom Hackney said the Backmann killing was “very brazen.” He said police haven’t found any surveillance video that could lead them to Backmann’s killer.

Backmann’s family attended the press conference held by Hodges and Hackney. The victim’s son, Ryan, said he deeply misses his father.

“We’re all standing here today, still in shock, still not understanding why this happened,” said Backmann, 31. “Everybody out there has a dad. Put yourself in my position. That’s how important [catching the killer] is.”

Hodges also announced that the reward in the case of a woman raped in Five Points on Oct. 9 has been increased from $1,000 to $5,000. Police released three composite sketches of the rapists, who attacked a woman while she was riding her bike.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS or police at 630-0500.

Follow the case

See the latest updates about the case, including stories videos

Somer Thompson photo gallery

Letter of thanks

Read a letter of thanks from Somer’s mother, Diena Thompson. Letter requires Adobe Acrobat reader.

Facts in the case

  • Oct. 27 | Hundreds attend Somer Thompson’s funeral at First Baptist Church in Orange Park.
  • Oct. 22 | Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler confirms that the body is that of Somer Thompson.
  • Oct. 21 | The body of a small child was found in a Ga. landfill where authorities were looking for Somer Thompson.
  • Oct. 20 | An Amber Alert was issued about her disappearance.
  • Oct. 19 | Somer was last seen wearing a cranberry colored jumpsuit with pink-striped sleeves. She is 3-foot-5, weighs 65 lbs and has brown hair.

Points of significance

Click on the blue points below to view points of significance in the disappearance of Somer Thompson

View Somer Renee Thompson in a larger map

Read or sign Somer’s Guest Book

Somer Renee Thompson’s memorial Guest Book

Facebook memorial wall

Somer Renee Thompson memorial wall on Facebook

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