Brutal murder goes unsolved in Buckeye

BUCKEYE, AZ - It's a case that strikes at the very heart of the American dream, and investigators are hoping a desire to make money will persuade someone to come forward with information.

Someone broke into the home of 78-year old Petronella Van Leeuwan on June 8, 2008 and shot her in her bedroom before leaving with a large amount of cash and a valuable coin collection.

The killer is still out there.

Leeuwan and her husband came to the U.S. from Holland in the 1950s with a dream of owning a dairy farm.

They quickly set up shop in Buckeye, Ariz. The farm had 30 employees and was quite successful.

Then tragedy struck.

In January of 2008, Leeuwan's husband died in a farm accident, leaving her in charge of the business.

Six months later, the farm was a crime scene, and the employees were being questioned about her murder.

"The motive was definitely robbery," said Sgt. Darren Burch of the Phoenix Police Department. "We know it was payroll day. It looks like an inside job."

While the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the investigation, Sgt. Burch is a coordinator with SIlent Witness, a private group that offers rewards in exchange for information leading to arrests.

While police asked questions and claimed to have some leads, the community rallied behind the Van Leeuwan family.

Donors contributed money to the Silent Witness fund, and now the reward for information is $28,000.

Most rewards stand at $1,000.

"There is a price on your head." said Burch to whomever committed the crime. "We will find you."

If you have any information, you're asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

You can also visit the website to submit tips anonymously.