$10,000 Reward For McMinnville Murder Case

Governor Bill Lee is offering a $10,000 reward for information of the disappearance and murder of McMinnville’s Romona Priest.

Priest was last seen at the McMinnville Plaza in February of 2001 outside of a local music venue. 31st Judicial District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis said the reward money will hopefully convince others to reveal a new lead to the cold case.

“I know there is someone out there that knows what happened to her,” Zavogiannis said. “It is time to do the right thing. It is time to come forward. Help us solve this crime.”

Zavogiannis said Gov. Lee accepting the requested amount means there is merit with the case.

“The governor does not just give money away unless he believes you can possibly find someone who committed this heinous act,” Zavogiannis said. “At the request of me, he was gracious enough to give us $10,000.”

Zavogiannis Priest has a daughter and mother, who deserve and need closure. Priest’s last whereabouts was outside of a local establishment known as, “The Underground.”

Priest was 19 standing at 5’3″ weighing 125 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes when reported missing. Her hair was dyed burgundy and black when she disappeared.

Priest has a scar on right knee, a red birthmark on back of neck at hairline, a small scar in right eyebrow, a tattoo of a “Bad Boy” face in light blue and green ink with the initials “J.G.” written in black above it on right wrist and an upper right premolar is missing.

If you have any information related to the case, Call the McMinnville Police Department at (931)-473-3386 or the 31st Judicial District Attorney’s Office at (931)-474-0622.

The reward will be paid upon the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the crime.