Police increase reward for leads in murder of business owner

ATLANTA — Police have increased a reward to $12,000 for information leading to more arrests in the slaying of a popular business owner in northwest Atlanta.

Police are looking for two more men believed to be connected with the death of Vanessa Thrasher, who was shot seven times at O.T.’s Lounge Soulfood. The longtime business at Joesph E. Lowery Boulevard had been in the Thrasher family for more than 40 years.

Police said Otis Ricks was arrested within hours of Thrasher’s death on Aug. 16. On Wednesday, investigators told Channel 2’s Erica Byfield they found Demario Caraman overnight, but they are still looking for Gerald Peterson and another person with the nickname “C.J.”

Police said the suspects are part of a gang called Campbelton Road Gangsters.

Michael Thrasher, the victim’s brother, hopes offering a reward will bring his family one step closer to getting justice for their loved one.

The Thrasher family, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and Crime Stoppers all contributed to the reward.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

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WSBTV