White Family Put Up Billboards in Hope of Catching Black Killers

WSBTV
January 27, 2014

The family of Patrick Cotrona unveiled billboards Thursday that they hope will lead to arrest of those responsible for his death.
The family of Patrick Cotrona unveiled billboards Thursday that they hope will lead to the arrest of the Black robbers responsible for his death.

The family of Patrick Cotrona unveiled billboards Thursday that they hope will lead to arrest of those responsible for his death.

The 33-year-old Georgia Tech graduate and video game designer was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in May 2013. A friend was shot in the leg. The attack happened as they were walking home from an East Atlanta bar.

“It’s obviously very frustrating for our family, not only to have lost someone so precious to us, but to know those responsible are still on the streets, enjoying their lives, enjoying their family and friends and not paying the price,” said Kate Cotrona Krumm, Cotrona’s sister.

Krumm said funds raised by family, friends and Atlanta citizens helped pay for the seven billboards. They advertise a $25,000 reward in the case and post composite sketches of two men who police say are involved in robberies in the same area and may be involved in the murder of Cotrona.

Patrick Cotrona, 33, was fatally shot during Memorial Day weekend
Hundreds of people attended a rally to remember Patrick Cotrona, who was shot and killed during an armed robbery as he walked home one night with a friend.

Police said leads in the case are drying up and they hope the large reward will encourage someone with information about the killer to step forward.

“We believe those individuals may have been responsible for some of robberies that occurred in very close proximity to where our murder occurred,” said Atlanta Police Capt. Paul Guerrucci.

“We need our community partners to come forward and provide information so we can solve this murder,” said Atlanta Police Chief George Turner.

Police asked anyone who may recognize the men in the sketches or have information about the crime to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

Callers can remain anonymous and information provided will remain confidential.