PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- The detective investigating James Earl’s murder says he was more than just a member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club.
“He’s a son, he’s a father. The finance. So there’s a lot of people that care about him and want to see this resolved," said Det. Samantha Gutierrez.
Earl’s finance found him shot and killed in their Spring Hill driveway in January.
Investigators say he was a Sgt. At Arms with the Pagan Motorcycle Club, but they they don’t know if that affiliation is related his death.
“Somebody has more information on what happened. Somebody at least knows a piece of the puzzle," said Gutierrez.
Earl’s murder came about a year after rival gang members publicly executed the President of Pasco’s Outlaw Motorcycle club,
It happened at the entrance to the Suncoast Coast Parkway.
Deputies arrested three men in that case.
As for the Pagans, the Department of Justice lists them as one of the most violent gangs in the country for their involvement in drug trafficking, arson and even organized murder.
But investigates say Earl was a veteran, who worked as a nurse, and was studying to become an aviation mechanic.
His mother just added $2,000 to the $8,000 already in the Crimestopper fund for a reward.
Anyone with a tip can remain anonymous.
“You don’t have to give your identification if you are concerned for your safety. But we are more than willing to follow up on any tips insignificant as you think they might be," said Gutierrez.
Investigators say James Earl had a couple nicknames. Vein and Scrappy.
He did a few tours of duty serving with the Navy Corp in Afghanistan.
You can call the Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay hotline at 1-800-873-TIPS.
