The search for the killer of Castro Valley teen Jenny Lin continues, even after the man who was once the main suspect in the unsolved 1994 murder died in an Oregon prison this week.
Lin, 14, was murdered in her own home 27 years ago. Alameda County investigators identified Sebastian Alexander Shaw, who was serving three life sentences for multiple Portland murders and raping an 18-year-old, as the primary suspect in 2006.
But the Alameda County Sheriff's Office tweeted on Wednesday it does "not believe (Shaw) was responsible for the murder." Lin's father, John, said on Thursday that the work continues following Shaw's death and that he wants to "make people aware this killer is out there."
"We don't want people to misinterpret the information, and think that the case is closed and stop giving us any tips or leads to help us solve the case," John Lin said.
Shaw was never charged, tried or convicted of the crime, and Lin said he didn't want the public to view the 53-year-old man's death as closure in pursuit of his daughter’s killer.
Lin continues to remain in contact with Patrick Smith, the lead investigator on the case from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. But he, his wife and eldest daughter wake up every morning and go to bed each night without answers.
"It's just so hard for anyone to imagine that such a beautiful, excellent girl ended up being murdered for no reason at all," Lin said.
Jenny Lin was a straight-A student, as well as a talented violist and pianist. Her family started the Jenny Lin Foundation, which promotes music and child safety education, and they continue to hold Jenny’s memory close.
John Lin said Wednesday in a statement provided by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office that a $100,000 reward is on offer for anyone who can provide information leading to the conviction of his daughter’s killer. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-855-4-Jenny-Lin.