Family will stop offering reward for missing boy

HILLSBORO, Mo. -- The family of a missing Richwoods boy said Monday they'll stop offering a $75,000 reward for his recovery at midnight today in an effort to encourage anyone with information to come forward immediately.

Shawn Hornbeck, 11, disappeared on Oct. 6, 2002, while riding his bike near his home in rural Washington County.

Shawn's stepfather, Craig Akers, said in a statement, "We're tired of playing games. We're tired of hearing 'I heard this story, but I can't tell you who said it."'

Shawn's mother, Pamela Akers, said, "Sometimes people with information will wait it out to see how high the reward will go."

She said the announcement is intended to send a clear signal to anyone with information that the reward will not go any higher.

Pamela Akers said the reward will end at midnight today, the last opportunity for someone to claim it.

The family said it is determined to continue working to learn what happened to Shawn.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawn Hornbeck Search and Rescue Command Center toll free at (866) 400-5353 or visit the Web site at www.shawnhornbeckfoundation.com.