Daily Iowan

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Metro

Media Credit: Robin Svec/The Daily Iowan

Though 12 years have passed since the slaying of Iowa City woman Susan Kersten, her son is still determined to find her killer.

Jason Kersten of Williamsburg announced at the Johnson County Courthouse Tuesday that a $7,000 reward will be given to anyone who can provide a tip that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the person who killed his mother.

"I know people know information," the 29-year-old said. "Hopefully, this will entice them to come forward."

Susan Kersten's charred remains were found in her car on Sept. 24, 1995, in a field south of Iowa City's Regency Trailer Court. The autopsy revealed that her death was the result of homicide, not an accident, as authorities had previously surmised.

Jason Kersten, who was 17 when his mother was slain, thanked the Carol Sund/Carrington Foundation for the $5,000 it donated to the reward fund. The remaining $2,000 is supplied by Iowa City Crimestoppers.

Johnson County prosecutor Janet Lyness briefed those at the news conference on the current state of the case.

She detailed the case's difficulties caused by turnover within the various departments dealing with the investigation, adding that she remains optimistic about eventually being able to prosecute the case.

"While no one has yet been charged, the family and law enforcement believe we will be able to find those responsible for Susan's death," she said. "We ask for the public's assistance to make this happen."

Iowa City Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, who was also at the news conference, said he hopes the monetary incentive will motivate those with knowledge regarding the homicide to come forward, alluding to the possibility that he had specific people in mind.

"We hope this will jar memories," he said. "We want any and all information."

Jason said no matter how much time or work it takes, he will never stop trying to track down his mother's killer. He noted that he and his family, who stood 20-strong behind him at the conference, were attempting to get her artwork on display at local banks. The art could also provide information regarding the case, he said.

"Our family has been deprived of her love and companionship," Jason Kersten said. "I'll pursue this until the very end."

He thinks constantly of the day when his mother will have justice through her killer's capture and conviction, he said.

"It would give me closure and give me a lot of rest of mind," he said. "I've prayed for it."

E-mail DI reporter Samantha Miller at:

samantha-a-miller@uiowa.edu

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