AT&T announced they are offering a $60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of 61-year-old AT&T technician Kenneth Wayne Cleveland.
"We're hoping that by offering this reward that someone will come forward. That somebody on the morning of April 22nd was in that area, saw something, knows something, possibly anything that would lead to finding out who did this tragedy," AT&T's External Affair Regional Director Debbie Keel said.
An AT&T spokesman offered the following statement:
"Kenny's death was tragic and our thoughts remain with his family. The safety and welfare of our employees is of paramount concern to us. We have assisted the authorities with their investigation and have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible."
Cleveland was killed while on duty in Waco on April 22nd. First responders found Cleveland in an alley in the 1400 block of Barron Avenue near a ladder. Police initially thought he was possibly electrocuted, but information from the medical examiner indicated Cleveland died from violent injuries.
"As the minutes and hours started going on, then we realized there is something for us to question what happened. That's what leads us to believe at this point that this is a murder case, not an accidental death," Sgt. Patrick Swanton with the Waco Police Department said.
Waco police are investigating the incident as a homicide. AT&T said they are working with police in the investigation.
Keel said she had met Cleveland a few years back and he was widely admired by his co-workers.
"He is a guy with a big heart. He loves his job, he's very devoted to and dedicated to his customers and to providing the best service that, you know, there is," Keel said.
Keel said she was in disbelief when she heard Cleveland was killed.
"Never in my years of service, and I have almost as many as Ken does, have I ever heard of anything like this happened in Waco, Texas," Keel said.
In a statement Sunday night, John Donovan, chief strategy officer and group president of AT&T Technology and Operations said, “We’re committed to doing anything we can to assist in bringing those involved in the death of Kenneth Cleveland to justice.”
Cleveland worked for AT&T for 43 years. He spent most of his career as a customer service technician.
Police said the reward could help find whoever is responsible for the murder.
"This was a horrible crime committed in our community. And whoever did this, the potential for that violence to occur again is very real.
It's important that people that have anything that might help us, reach out to us and help us solve this crime," Swanton said.
AT&T had flyers made that they will be posting around the neighborhood where Cleveland died, in hopes that someone will come forward with information.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Waco Police at (254) 750-7589. Down below is a copy of the lawsuit.
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