SAINT PAUL - (June 3, 2004)- On the eve of Erika Dalquist's funeral in Brainerd, Minn., a reward of $25,000 is being offered by Spotlight on Crime for information that leads to the arrest and capture of William "Billy" Gene Myears. Dalquist's remains were found May 15, 2004 on property owned by Myears' grandparents. Brainerd Police has identified Myears as the primary suspect and issued an arrest warrant on the charge of 2nd degree murder.

On Saturday, June 5, 2004 (8 p.m. CST on Fox) the nationally acclaimed television program America's Most Wanted will highlight the Dalquist case and ask viewers to provide information to help locate Myears. He left the Brainerd area in August 2003 and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Dalquist was reported missing on October 29, 2002 from a downtown Brainerd bar. Myears was originally arrested and charged with manslaughter in the case. However, charges were dropped and Myears was released because Dalquist's body had not been recovered.

Anyone with information should contact:

Brainerd Police (218) 829-2805
Crow Wing County Sheriff (218) 829-4749
Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension (651) 793-7000

Spotlight on Crime is a fund established by Minnesota businesses in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to re-energize cases where investigations have grown cold. Spotlight on Crime only focuses on crimes that remain unsolved after investigative efforts have been exhausted. Only violent crimes against innocent victims are considered. Since June 2001, more than $900,000 has been offered in 17 cases. Additional information is available at www.spotlightoncrime.org.

Spotlight on Crime is a fund that provides cash rewards for information that helps solve violent crimes. It is a collaboration between members of the Minnesota Business Partnership and public safety officials.