Ontario announces $50,000 reward in Sanchez homicide; family urges public tips

Mayor Leon announced that the city and the Ontario Police Department worked with Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to secure a $50,000 reward in the homicide investigation of Jesus Alfredo Sanchez, and urged anyone with information to contact detectives.

Family members of Sanchez, who was killed in October, addressed the council during public comment. Maria Romaldo, who identified herself as Sanchez’s mother, thanked the governor and police and said the family hoped the reward would bring answers: "I have faith and I have hope that, with this reward money ... we can find some answers and find some consolation and comfort in it all," she said.

Cassandra Sanchez, who gave the victim’s full name as Jesus Alfredo Sanchez, said the family felt "more confident that someone is willing to speak out" after the governor’s action and asked attendees to pick up and share flyers and QR codes that link to case details and tips. Several other community members echoed the request for public help and thanked Chief Mike Lawrence and detectives for pursuing the case.

Mayor Leon called the reward a demonstration of the city’s and police department’s commitment to solving the case. The mayor provided contact information for Detective Kyle Mina and the Ontario Police Department for anyone with information: Detective Kyle Mina at 909-408-1769 or the Ontario Police Department tip line at (909) 395-2001.

The council did not take formal action on the case; the meeting served as a public forum for officials to announce the reward and for family members and residents to urge community assistance. The case remains under investigation.