$30,000 reward offered in former athlete’s death; police release video

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Jackie Valley

Richard Portaro, father of 22-year-old Michael Portaro, addresses the media May 11 as he announces a reward being offered in the case.

Wed, May 11, 2011 (5:01 p.m.)

Surveillance Footage in Tenaya Creek Brewery Shooting

Surveillance footage taken on the night of March 30 at the Tenaya Creek Brewery.

Portaro reward

KSNV coverage of family's efforts to bring killer of 22-year-old Michael Portaro to justice, May 11, 2011.

The family of a former Faith Lutheran High School quarterback shot to death outside a brewery in March announced today a $30,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Michael Portaro, a 22-year-old aspiring hip-hop artist, was found dead from multiple gunshots March 30 outside the Tenaya Creek Brewery, near Tenaya Way and Cheyenne Avenue. He had been in the area selling tickets to an upcoming concert.

Metro Police also released surveillance video today that shows the suspect walking in front of the brewery. In the video, the man is seen wearing dark clothing and white or light-colored shoes.

"It's just a short clip, but it does show the suspect approaching the area where the victim was found," said Sgt. Jon Scott of Metro's homicide section.

Scott labeled the murder likely "a random act of violence" with robbery as the motive, but he said police still are pursuing leads.

The $30,000 reward raised by family and friends is on top of a separate award through Crime Stoppers, the anonymous tip-reporting system. Officials said a $2,000 Crime Stoppers award is available to anyone whose tip directly leads to the arrest of the suspect.

Rob Portaro, the victim's uncle, said the $30,000 reward — which would be awarded after a conviction — could increase as more donations arrive.

Rob Portaro said a conviction would bring the family a sense of closure, but also satisfaction in "getting this guy off the streets."

Richard Portaro, Michael's father, urged anyone with information, however small it may seem, to contact police so his son's killer could be brought to justice.

"We're not playing games anymore," he said. "We're going to get this guy."

The Portaro family announced the reward at a park across from Faith Lutheran, where Michael Portaro graduated in 2006 and his two younger siblings attend school.

"Mike was one of the family favorites," Rob Portaro said. "He would just light up a room when he came in."

Donations to the Michael Portaro Reward fund can be made by visiting a website set up by the family.

Anyone with information about the case is being asked to call Metro's homicide section at (702) 828-3521 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

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