Reward increased in 2011 slaying of Navy sailor

U.S. Navy Sailor Jeffrey Guzman Perez shot to death while dropping off friend

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced a reward increase on Friday for information in the cold case slaying of a 22-year-old Navy veteran.

The family of U.S. Navy Sailor Jeffrey Guzman Perez renewed a plea for help in the homicide.

"The only thing we have to hold on to is hope that someday, somehow, this is going to be solved," said Perez's father, Roberto Guzman.

Perez was dropping off a friend on his motorcycle in November 2011 when two people got out of a blue minivan, deputies said. One of them opened fire near Lancaster Park and Winegard, according to deputies.

"Those people that got in the van left, and Jeffrey died as a result. I don't know what the intent was," Detective Angelo Chiota said.

With no known motive or suspects, Perez's father is offering money out of his own pocket in hopes of getting results.

The Crimeline reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.

"That money, actually, was withdrawn from my  retirement funds that I had.  We're not a wealthy family, but we're doing what we can," Guzman said.

The victim's family urges anyone with information that can help to call 800-423 TIPS.

"The day before I depart from this life, I will  still be fighting.  That's for sure, I will never give  up," Guzman said.

 


About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.