Reward for information on Samantha Humphrey’s disappearance grows as two-year mark nears

November 16, 2024

Updated: November 16, 2024

SCHENECTADY — As we approach the ‍two-year mark since the tragic disappearance of Samantha Humphrey, a teenager from Schenectady, her family ⁣remains resolute in their quest for justice. They are committed to keeping Samantha’s memory alive and her story at the forefront of the city’s consciousness.

On Black Friday 2022, Samantha, then 14,‍ was last seen in the Stockade neighborhood. This sparked a three-month-long police search, which⁣ ended tragically when her body was found in the Mohawk River on ‌February 22, 2023, near Riverside Park, the same location where she was last seen.

In October of the ⁣following year, the⁢ Humphrey family took a bold step ‍by ⁢renting two billboards on Erie Boulevard and Maxon Road. These billboards offered ‍a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to an arrest in connection with Samantha’s ‍murder.

As the second anniversary of Samantha’s disappearance draws⁣ near, the family has shifted their focus from the billboard campaign to‌ distributing lawn signs. These signs feature Samantha’s photos and⁤ offer a‍ $20,000 reward for any information ‍that could help solve ⁢the case. ⁤The reward⁢ money comes from a generous $15,000 donation by Samantha’s grandfather, Louis⁢ Paravate, and an additional $5,000 ⁤raised through a GoFundMe campaign.

The lawn signs read, “Samantha Humphrey Was ‌Murdered‍ 11/25/22 - And Still, No⁤ Arrest” and ⁤“Two Years,⁣ Two Long.” They direct⁤ potential informants to the district attorney’s office ⁤and the ⁢Schenectady ⁤police tips line at ⁢518-788-6566.

“The billboards were a powerful statement, but they can⁢ only reach so many people. The lawn signs, ‌on the other hand, allow individuals who ⁣want to help to take a more active role,” said Jeff Humphrey, ‌Samantha’s father.⁣ “Our goal‍ is to⁣ touch people on a personal level and keep Samantha’s memory⁤ alive.”

Jeff ‌is hopeful‌ that ‌the increased reward could encourage someone ⁣to come ‌forward with crucial information that could⁤ lead ⁤to an arrest.

“There’s ⁤a chance that⁣ someone might remember something ⁣or someone who was younger at the time might now be old enough to understand the significance⁤ of what ⁤they know,” he said.

So far, the family ‍has ⁣distributed 100 lawn signs. They are available for a suggested donation of ‍$10 per sign to cover costs at tinyurl.com/SamHReward.

Jeff‌ commended ‌the Schenectady police for their ongoing support ⁢and⁣ availability‍ to answer questions regarding the case⁢ over the last two years.

“The investigation into Samantha Humphrey’s death is still active and ongoing,”‌ Schenectady Police ⁢Lt.⁢ Ryan Macherone said on Thursday.⁢ “We do not have any additional ‍updates to⁢ provide at⁤ this time.”

Despite the ongoing investigation, no‌ arrests have‍ been made‍ in the case. This has led to growing frustration⁤ within‌ the Humphrey family as ⁢they prepare to mark two years since Samantha’s ‌disappearance.

“There’s a growing anger about the lack of progress,⁤ but we understand that an arrest won’t bring Sam back,” Jeff said. “What’s‌ truly reckless is the city allowing a potential murderer to roam free. That’s a ⁤risk we can’t afford to take.”

Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney ‌confirmed that investigators‌ are operating under the assumption ⁢that Samantha was murdered. However, ⁤the autopsy results have complicated the case.

“The cause of death was ⁤ruled to be undetermined,” Carney said on Friday. “That doesn’t mean⁣ it’s not a⁤ homicide, it⁢ just means that ‍the cause of death couldn’t‍ be determined‌ solely from the medical tests conducted during⁤ and after the autopsy. In most cases, the autopsy results can clearly indicate whether the death was a homicide or‍ an accident. But in this case, they couldn’t make that determination. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of a homicide, it just complicates the case. ⁣It doesn’t prevent potential prosecution⁤ in the future, but it means that other evidence will be needed to‌ charge someone with homicide or any other ‌crime.”

The Humphrey family‌ will be holding a candlelight vigil on Nov. 29 at Riverside Park from 6:00 p.m. to ‍7:00 p.m., with a ‌16-minute vigil to‍ commemorate what would have⁢ been Samantha’s 16th birthday. Lawn signs will be distributed ‌in the Front Street Pool parking lot prior to the vigil.

Jeff Humphrey stated that the ‌lawn sign campaign will continue until⁤ an arrest is made.

“We won’t stop until justice is served,” he said. “If that‌ means covering the city of Schenectady with Samantha’s⁤ face, then so be ⁤it. That’s the path we’re committed to.”

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