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Through my position as a journalist I've met the family members of many violent crime victims.  So often, after experiencing a terrible tragedy, I find these families are on a mission -- a mission for justice.  This week I spoke with the family of 20-year-old Bryan Coursey.  Coursey's murder has been unsolved since June.  Authorities say two groups of men were fighting outside a Reno bar, a shot was fired, and an innocent bystander, Bryan Coursey, was fatally struck.

Ever since June 15, Bryan's family has been on a mission for justice.  Tuesday at Bryan's old school, North Valleys High, Bryan's family members sold wrist bands, raffle tickets, t-shirts and other items to create an additional reward in the case.  Tanya Coursey, Bryan's aunt, tells me so far $6,000 has been raised.  Police are seeking two suspects in the case, Arnulfo Carrillo and Cesar Garcia.  Police say at the time of the shooting, both men resided locally.  Tanya says she's heard acquaintances of the suspects say they would not turn them in for $2,500, the standard reward amount offered by Secret Witness in murder investigations.  And so Bryan's family is asking for the community's help to continue to raise the reward and get justice for Bryan.

At times, the table where the family was selling items with Bryan's name or picture was crowded with so many people, there was seemingly no place to stand.  It touches me how this community comes together to help families who have been affected by violent crime.  We're all very familiar with how so many wanted to help the family of Brianna Denison.  Hundreds searched for the missing teen in very cold temperatures early this year.  Then, after Brianna's body was discovered in a field on February 15, the community created a memorial of flowers, candles and other items in the South Meadows.  Thanks to someone being observant and calling Secret Witness, a suspect in Denison's murder is now behind bars.

But our job as members of the community is not over.  We must remember there are still so many families that need our help to attain justice.  The murders of Bryan Coursey, Montreaux residents Albert and Joan Musalo, and local mother Brandy Gallego remain unsolved -- and sadly I'm sure there are other examples.

I'm writing this blog to praise the community for its continued support of crime victims' families.  There are still many that need our help during incredibly difficult times.  Please visit www.SecretWitness.com to learn more about unsolved crimes in our area.  Your support and vigilance can, and do, make a difference to these families.

Additional Information:

www.BryanCoursey.com 

www.myspace.com/bryancoursey

Musalo Case: http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/6751167.html