This is the sixth Christmas season the three Sanchez-Reyes children are spending without their mother.
The first, in 2010, was marred by Olga Sanchez-Reyes’s death, caused by a deliberately-set fire at the family’s Lancaster city row home in the first block of North Plum Street.
Local police pursued multiple leads and conducted countless interviews, but are still missing pieces to file charges in the unsolved homicide case.
Although Sanchez-Reyes’ children – now ages 11 to 19 – rarely speak of their mother’s tragic death, it has haunted the family ever since.
“They’re struggling without their mom. The holidays are very difficult,” said Aylin Sanchez, Olga’s sister-in-law, speaking for the family. “She’s very much on our minds.”
Particularly, why she was killed, and by whom.
The family is offering a $15,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
“The killer is still out there,” Aylin Sanchez said this week. “We ask the community to put themselves in our situation.
“If you know something and don’t come forward, and (the killer) strikes again, how will that make you feel?”
Lancaster city police Detective Nate Nickel, lead investigator of the case, said he’s conducted “numerous interviews,” but is seeking additional information about the arson, and particulars about Olga’s social and personal life.
“The statute of limitations never expires on homicide investigations,” Nickel said Monday. “Any new leads or witnesses are pursued immediately.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Nickel at 717-735-3358. City police have worked the case in conjunction with Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman’s office.
The devastating early-morning fire at 14 N. Plum St. could have been even worse.
The three children were home. The oldest, a boy, rushed them to an attic and neighbors eventually rescued them from the roof.
Time hasn’t made the loss any easier.
“They’re struggling without their mom,” Aylin Sanchez said. “Three children were left without a mother and forced to live to learn without one.
“Please help our family find justice.”
Information can also be provided, anonymously, to Lancaster City/ Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913, or by sending text-messaging “LANCS,” plus your message, to 847411 (TIP411).
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
