A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for a 1988 St. Paul homicide case.
It was 35 years ago Saturday that Cheryl Prokop was strangled to death in her townhome on Kansas Avenue on St. Paul’s west side. Her body was found by her 4-year old daughter.
“We’ve waited for 35 years to understand why Cheryl was killed and who did it," her father, Dick Prokop, said. "Nothing can bring her back, but maybe this reward will help lead to some answers. If you know what happened, please report what you know.”
St. Paul Police Department spokesman Sergeant Mike Ernster says while investigative staff has turned over throughout the years, the case has always been actively investigated.
“Investigators will commonly reinvestigate cases and see if there’s any new technology, or if there’s any way we can move that case forward,” says Ernster.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has also been investigating the case with St. Paul. Ernster says hopefully money will talk.
“It’s just a way to try and pry information out of someone so that we can get answers for the family of the victim and hold the perpetrator responsible,” Ernster explains.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the BCA by phone, email, or through the agency's 'See It Send It' app. They may remain anonymous.
“We as a department never forget victims and their families who are left behind seeking answers,” said Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry. “We will continue to seek those answers and are committed to providing closure for families and bringing every offender to justice.”
“Despite decades of forensic and investigative efforts, available evidence has not led us to the person or persons responsible for Cheryl’s death,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “But we’re continuing to work this case and are hopeful the reward will result in new information.”
