Press Releases

$200,000 reward in Immokalee businessman's murder
July 19, 2008

This week marks one year since a Collier County business man was murdered in Immokalee. Family members are offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrests and convictions of two suspects – who remain unidentified and on the run.

“He was the most giving man I’ll ever know and he’ll always be my hero,” said  Janeth Hassam.

For more than a decade, Homar Hassam was known as a generous business man – someone who would give food off the very shelves he stocked so that no one would go hungry. But last July, two unknown gunmen brought Hassam’s life to an end – and now investigators, along with Hassam’s widow and two children, are pleading for answers and hoping for justice.

“He lived a very humble life… he got along with everyone. Everybody loved him,” said Janeth Hassam.

According to investigators, two suspects walked into Hassam’s store on Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee around 1 p.m. The store was being renovated, and the men were supposedly looking for work – but Hassam had no jobs at the moment.

“They come back a second time, Mr. Hasaam graciously says it’s going to be awhile before he could use them. That’s when the encounter occurs," said Det. Kevin O’Neill/

Hassam was murdered in the store he worked so hard to build for 13 years – robbed of his wallet and his life. Numerous witnesses have come forward, and detectives have been able to come up with two sketches of the suspects – now they just need names to go with the faces.

Investigators describe both suspects are very dark skinned males, with acne marks on their faces. The family is putting together a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the men responsible for Hassam’s death – hoping the financial incentive will encourage someone to provide the information that will put two killers behind bars.

“It does not bring him back – nothing ever will. But it brings some justice and the justice system works… Please come forward – do not be afraid," Janeth Hassam said.

Anyone with information on the murder of Homar Hassam is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers – and up to $200,000 from the Hassam family.