Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that the City of New York has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Jean Ruby Johnson, a leader of the Harlem community.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to offer our condolences to the family of Ms. Johnson," Mayor Giuliani said. "She was a pioneer in the field of modeling and a leader in the African-American community. Not only was she consistently at the forefront of style, she was also a constant friend to her neighbors and always took the time to help those in need. New York City will miss Ruby Johnson.
"The City is offering this reward in hope that it will be helpful in the apprehension of whoever is responsible for this horrible murder," continued the Mayor. "I urge anyone who has any information to call (212) 577 - TIPS."
Ruby Johnson, 81 years old, was found murdered in her apartment on June 26th.
Ms. Johnson was a pioneering African-American model during the 1930s, appearing in many print advertisements. She was married to jazz drummer Walter Johnson, a member of the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra and several other big name performance bands, until his death in 1977.
Any persons with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the murder will be entitled to receive and additional $1,000 if they call CRIMESTOPPERS with their tip, making the reward total $11,000.