20 January 2006

Governor announces reward for information
leading to arrest of killer of Westwood man

With the killer of Westwood, Kansas, man David “Ray” Ninemire still at large more than two years after the crime, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has authorized a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ninemire’s killer or killers.

Ninemire was killed during a robbery at the Westwood Apple Market at around 6:00 a.m. on August 15, 2003. It is believed to be the first murder in the history of the small community of Westwood, located in Johnson County.

“By all accounts, Ray Ninemire sacrificed his life coming to the aid of a coworker. He left behind a loving family and a grieving community,” said Sebelius. “Local law enforcement officers and the KBI are working to bring his killer to justice, and I hope this reward will aid their efforts.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation asked Sebelius to use her executive authority to issue the reward.

At the time of the robbery, the male suspect was reported to be wearing a top hat, with a fake beard pulled up high on his face, a black medium length coat and black pants. The subject was described as being about 5’5” and thin build. He was last seen walking east from the store along West 47th Street and then north on Lloyd Street into Kansas City, Kansas.

Anyone with any information about the murder of David “Ray” Ninemire is asked to contact Lt. Dan Brewster of the Westwood police department at 913-362-3737 or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME."