Hollister officials increase reward for Jose Barajas

City officials in Hollister have increased the amount of the reward being offered in the case of Jose Barajas to $25,000, and they’ve approved an additional $25,000 for information that would bring Vanessa Flores home safely.

That brings the total reward money in this case to $50,000.

Barajas is suspected in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas and he’s also suspected of having kidnapped Flores, his former girlfriend.

Barajas disappeared more than a week ago, after Zendejas was shot and killed while riding in a car.

Flores’ family, meanwhile, has pleaded for the safe return of their daughter.

A special city meeting was held Tuesday evening to discuss increasing the reward. Police Chief David Westrick also sought extra state funding for the reward.