Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced $200,000 in rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions in four unsolved violent crimes across the state, including attempted murder and homicide cases in San Mateo, San Diego, Kings, and Sonoma counties.
The rewards – each totaling $50,000 – are part of the Governor's Reward Program and aim to generate new leads in investigations that local authorities have been unable to solve. The funds are available to individuals who provide information that helps bring suspects to justice.
One of the cases involves the attempted murder of a Hillsborough police officer. According to Newsom's Office, the officer was shot in an ambush attack on Feb. 22, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m. The incident occurred on the grounds of the Hillsborough Police Department Station located at 1600 Floribunda Ave. The officer's identity has not been released to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Corporal Josh Wang at 650-375-7470 or submit anonymous tips via the department's official tips email.
In San Diego County, the La Mesa Police Department is seeking answers in the April 24, 2021, shooting death of 22-year-old Corneilius Brown. Brown was fatally shot in the doorway of his apartment. Despite investigative efforts, no arrests have been made. Detective Royce Culp is leading the investigation and can be reached at 619-667-7533. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Another case centers on the March 25, 2022, killing of 52-year-old Scott Jeff on the Santa Rosa Rancheria reservation in Lemoore, located in Kings County. The King's County Sheriff's Office reported that Jeff died from gunshot wounds. Having exhausted all leads, authorities have asked individuals with knowledge of the crime to contact Sergeant Chris Martin at 559-852-2886. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 559-852-4554 or via email.
The fourth case involves the 1997 murder of 12-year-old Georgia Moses in Sonoma County. Moses went missing from her home in Petaluma and was later found deceased near the southbound Highway 101 on-ramp at Petaluma Boulevard South. Despite decades of investigation, no suspect has been identified. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office has requested assistance from the public and encourages tipsters to contact the Cold Case Unit by email or at 707-565-2727 or submit information anonymously.
Under California law, law enforcement agencies may request that Newsom issue rewards in unsolved cases where traditional investigative methods have failed. Additional information on the Governor's Reward Program is available through Newsom's Office.