Widow of Slain Guard Asks for Public’s Help

As officials offered a $125,000 reward in the case, the tearful widow of a Brink’s guard who was gunned down last week outside a Venice bank pleaded for the public’s help in finding her husband’s killers.

“My family has been totally devastated,” said Deborah Belcher, choking back tears at a news conference Thursday at Parker Center. “My husband was a very good, kind, loving man, and he didn’t deserve, nor does anyone deserve, to die this way.”

Representatives of Bank of America and Brink’s jointly announced the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing Robert Belcher, 47, of Los Angeles, a father and part-time minister.

Police said they have a few leads but no suspects in the case, which they referred to as a “blatant act of terrorism.”

“We know someone out there knows who these suspects are,” said Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Tim McBride. “We are hoping this will turn the tide.”

Belcher was killed Aug. 1 at a Bank of America branch on Venice Boulevard when three gunmen opened fire in an apparent robbery attempt. The gunmen fled empty-handed.

Injured in the attack was Belcher’s partner, Barry Quinton Jones, 37, of Riverside, who was slightly wounded in the leg.

Belcher and Jones had stopped at the bank’s automated teller machine shortly after 4 a.m. to pick up the night’s receipts.

Belcher--described as a warm man who was always smiling--left behind 3-year-old twins Leana and Lenisha, three older children and a 4-month-old foster child. “I don’t know how to tell my children that their daddy’s never coming home,” Deborah Belcher said.

A trust fund has been set up for the family. Donations can be sent to Deborah Belcher at P.O. Box 35426, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

Anyone with information that may result in the arrest and conviction of the suspects should call the We Tip hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800 782-7463). The identity of all callers will remain confidential.