Crime Stoppers using billboards to solve Pinellas cold cases

In an effort to solve six lingering homicide and missing-persons cases in Pinellas County, Crime Stoppers posted billboards around the county hoping to jog some years-old memories.

Crime Stoppers has coupled with the police departments in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Clear Channel Outdoor advertising to post the notices that feature photographs of the victims and details of the crimes.

At a news conference Monday morning, some relatives of victims spoke.

Sonja Siczak, sister of Joseph Siczak who was slain 21 years ago, came to Pinellas County from North Carolina to attend the news conference.

"He was a very, very good kid," she said. "He was just such a gentle soul ... and he contributed so much to the community. He worked full time at Publix and was a full-time college student.

"Whether something comes from this or not," she said, "we are all very, very appreciative that he has not been forgotten.

Alana Lester is the oldest daughter of John Spivey, who was one of three people slain in their home more than 21 years ago when she was just 14. She said she has since grown up and married and now has three children.

"Three children that will never have the opportunity to sit in his lap, or hold his hand, or hear him say 'I love you' " she said in an email to The Tampa Tribune on Monday afternoon.

"My father wasn't there to walk me down the aisle or to witness the birth of his grandchildren. Father's Day is a day of mourning. He was stolen from us."

She said the billboard project "is more than a sign on the side of the road. For my family it is a sign of hope. Someone out there knows something. Twenty years is a long time to have to live with so many unanswered questions. Twenty years too long to have no one held accountable for this horrible crime."

Eunice Lewis, whose son Hoeschele Thomas was shot to death in Largo five years ago, said she continues to grieve for her son.

"My heart has a big hole in it," said the 73-year-old woman.

Here is a list of the cold cases that are on the billboards:

• Jack LaGrand was a cab driver who was found shot to death in his taxi at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 17, 2008, in Clearwater. The billboard location: U.S. 19 and Republic Drive.

• Robert Helphrey was reported missing on May 22, 2006, after he was last seen leaving a pub in Palm Harbor. The billboard location: Alt. U.S. 19 and Avery Avenue.

• Jeremy Long was found mortally wounded from a gunshot in a bedroom at home in Pinellas Park on Dec. 18, 2008. The billboard location: 34th Street and 14th Avenue South.

• Joseph Siczak was shot to death while he sat in his white Corvette in St. Petersburg's North Shore Park on March 5, 1990. The billboard location: First Avenue and14th Street North.

• James Row, Nancy Spivey and John Spivey were found slain in the home they shared on First Avenue South and 23rd Street on Jan. 10, 1991. The billboard location: Fifth Avenue and 26th Street North.

Hoeschele Thomas was shot on 118th Street North in Largo on Oct. 29, 2006. He later died from his wounds. The billboard location: Ulmerton Road and Walsingham Road.

Anyone with information on any of these cases who wishes to remain anonymous and be eligible for a Crime Stoppers reward can call Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County at 1-800-873-8477 or offer a tip online at www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

"Whether it is 21 years or three years," said Susan Fraley, spokeswoman for Crime Stoppers, "these families and victims deserve justice."