LANCASTER COUNTY – Lancaster County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that solves a homicide case from Lancaster City. On July 4, 2002 around 3 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Dauphin Street for a shooting and found 29 year-old Victor “Shorty” Melendez of Lancaster laying in an alley on the south side of the street. Melendez was shot once and died at the scene. Just prior to the shooting, Melendez approached a vehicle with three occupants inside in Alley #17. After a brief conversation between Melendez and the vehicle occupants, witnesses reported hearing a gunshot. The vehicle, described as a purple or maroon four-door sedan, drove away. The investigation has continued over the years, but the case remains unsolved. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Lancaster City Police Detective Ryan Burgett at 717-719-4484 or Lancaster County Detective Mike Winters at 717-723-4939. Tipsters can remain anonymous and do not have to give their names.
VICTOR MELENDEZ