MUSKEGON CO. (July 8, 2014) —The family of 36-year-old Rebekah Bletsch is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with information that will lead to an arrest of the person or people responsible for her death.
Bletsch was jogging her usual route on rural Automobile Road in Dalton Township on the evening of June 29th when police say she was shot in the head and killed. None of the valuables she had on her at the time were stolen, making the case even more bizarre and random.
“I think that’s where a lot of our anger comes in,” said Nicole Winberg, Rebekah’s sister. “For this to happen on a Sunday afternoon, in broad daylight, what kind of person does that… they took it into their own hands to take my sister’s life.”
Michigan State Police along with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies have since formed a task force to work the case. Silent Observer is also offering a $2,500 reward for any information.
Bletch’s two sisters–Jessica Jospehson and Nicole Winberg–have been hanging up fliers around the Muskegon area since Monday, with the hope someone will see it and come forward.
“Our hope is to get these (fliers) out to areas that somebody may know something or anybody that has information can help bring awareness and get us justice for our family,” Josephson said. “This community is suffering right now with a lot of tragedies and I think people are scared and afraid… we want answers and we want closure on this.”
The sisters are also planning a self-defense class July 19th in Becky’s name at the Reeths-Puffer High School Arena from 10 am til noon. Part of the cost to join will be donated to the Bletsch family and Rebekah’s daughter. More information on the event can be found here.
“I’m sure she fought for her life and it’s scary nowadays going out on your own,” Josephson said. “To be able to defend yourself is a good thing.”
Josephson says they’re determined to not take this tragedy laying down and they’re grateful for the support they’ve received from the community.
“Today as I was hanging up some fliers a lady passed by me and she said I’m really sorry for your loss, just a complete stranger,” she said.
“We need to get this awareness out there, our whole community is being affected by this tragedy and we need to put an end to it, we need to take a stand.”
Anyone with any information pertaining to the investigation is asked to call Silent Observer’s tip line at 231- 72-CRIME.
