*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

Berkeley, CA. – The City Of Berkeley announced a reward totaling $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a murder of a 43-year-old Berkeley resident.  The victim has been identified as George Ronald Barillas Jr., a 43 year-old Berkeley resident.

On Friday, October 24^th, 2003 at approximately 11:25pm, a shooting took place in a parking lot on Ashby Avenue, west of Seventh Street.  Investigators believe the shooting was sparked by road rage.  On November 18, 2003 at approximately 10:00am, the victim succumbed to his wounds and died at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Investigators believe that the suspect was driving a late model, full-size dark colored American made SUV or pick-up truck. The shooting suspect is described as a black male, 17-20 years old, possibly muscular or heavyset.  The suspect vehicle was last seen driving west on Ashby Avenue towards Interstate 80. 

No arrests have been made in connection with this case. The murder of Barillas marked the City Of Berkeley’s fifth for the year 2003.

The Berkeley Police Department is requesting the help of the media and community for any witnesses or information regarding this case. In a 1998 City Council Resolution, City Of Berkeley Council members voted to authorize rewards of $15,000 in unsolved murder investigations. This reward was approved and is a direct result of that Resolution. (Resolution #59,824 – N.S.)

Anyone with any information about this case is encouraged to call the BPD Homicide Detail at 510-981-5741 or email tips to police@ci.berkeley.ca.us You may remain anonymous.