Reward money has increased to $1,250 for information leading to an arrest in the July 23 death of retired Vicksburg policeman Walter C. Cole.

Vicksburg Crimestoppers is offering the reward to anyone who can present tips anonymously to the Vicksburg Police Department at 601-636-2511.

Those wishing to increase the reward may contact organization president Gil Martin at 601-636-7084.

Cole, 75, was found shot to death in his car at Pittman Road and Railroad Alley. The death has been ruled a homicide.

Cole was among the first group of blacks hired by the Vicksburg police in the 1970s, a group the men themselves dubbed the “Lucky 7.”