Family Dollar offers $10,000 reward for info in employee homicide

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 44-year-old Bill Melendez was shot and killed during a robbery at Family Dollar on 43rd and Oklahoma on Tuesday, August 6th. Now, his former employer is offering a reward to help catch the suspect.

On Friday, August 16th, one day before Melendez's funeral, Family Dollar made an announcement, hoping to help solve the crime.

"We are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect," said Family Dollar Regional Vice President Paul Murray.

The victim's family is hoping the reward will put a suspect behind bars.

"After he took the $100, he shot him. He ran," said Cristina Melendez, the victim's widow.

It is believed the suspect, who shot Melendez once in the head, was wearing a disguise at the time of the shooting. He is described as a tall, slender, black man in his late 20's with dreadlocks or braids.

"I hope they throw the book at him," said Mark Gates, Melendez's best friend of 27 years. "I still can't believe he's gone."

Melendez died at the hospital one day after the robbery. He left behind four children and five grandchildren.

In addition to the suspect description, police are looking for the driver of a dark-colored, four-door vehicle that may have been involved in the incident.