Reward increased in Molly Conley shooting case

The reward for the unsolved homicide of Molly Conley – the 15-year-old Bishop Blanchet High School freshman killed earlier this month in Lake Stevens – is up to $34,000.

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound said Monday that’s the maximum reward available. Rewards are given for information leading to a suspect’s conviction.

Conley was walking with a group of friends about 11:15 p.m. in the 10600 block of South Lake Stevens Road when a single shot hit her in the neck.

Police dispatch calls recorded talk about a “dark-colored, bigger SUV,” though police have not publicly discussed that vehicle description and have not given details about a suspect.

Conley and friends were gathered to celebrate her birthday.

"There really is no way to assess the threat to the public 100 percent until we have a suspect in custody and we understand the motive," sheriff's spokeswoman Shari Ireton told KIRO 7 earlier this month. She had previously said the danger had passed.

Investigators searched for surveillance video, hoping for leads at a nearby espresso stand. But barista Grace Elerle told KIRO 7 the crime wasn't recorded.

Detectives said they still don't know if Conley was targeted or a random victim.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Anonymous calls are accepted.

KIRO