Family Hopes $10K Reward Will Lead To Slain Worker's Killers

RALEIGH, N.C. — Family members of a man found dead inside a Raleigh restaurant earlier this month hope a $10,000 reward will generate new leads that will help solve the homicide case.

An employee found Leroy Jernigan dead on the floor of Circus Restaurant on June 3. Raleigh police said Jernigan was shot to death while cleaning the night before.

"I pray every day that whoever did this terrible thing to this family -- that they'll be brought to justice," said Judy Maurer, who found Jernigan's body.

Police said Jernigan parked his truck in the drive-thru and then used a nearby door to go in and out. Police said they believe that is how the killers got inside.

Authorities later recovered Jernigan's red truck, which was stolen the night of the slaying, abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. They also released composite photos of two men seen near the truck and have set up a 24-hour hotline,

919-278-6376

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Maurer said she hopes the reward will help bring peace to Jernigan's family, a sentiment the victim's brother also holds.

"It's tough when you really lose someone to something so senseless," said Timmy Jernigan. "I think if we find out who did this, it will bring closure to us."

"Sometimes, I'm numb," said Lorraine Jernigan, the victim's mother. "We just have a lot of questions -- Why did it happen? How did it happen?"

Local businesses have also offered money toward the reward and plan to hold fundraisers to raise even more.

"It's been very traumatic for the employee that found him. For all of us, it's been tough," said Circus Restaurant owner Glenn Mitchell.