By Traci Chapman

Investigators with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation renewed a $10,000 reward Thursday in efforts to find the killer of El Reno resident James Shaw.

Shaw, 73, was found stabbed to death in his home on May 21, 2007. The retired teacher had run errands to the bank and to Wal-Mart after having lunch with his wife earlier in the day. Police said robbery is the suspected motive; OSBI reports indicated at least $100 had been taken from the home.

El Reno police have followed up on several leads, and Police Chief Ken Brown said the case is still open, with investigators following several leads, including an Edmond slaying which at first appeared to be “similar.” However, none of those leads have gone anywhere, Brown said.

“As information arises, yes, it is still an open and active case,” Brown said. “We are determined to find out who committed this murder.”

The Shaw family still has hope the case will be solved, Shaw’s son, Jason Shaw, said, and they hope the renewal of the $10,000 reward encourages anyone with information to come forward.

“We believe someone out there knows something, and perhaps they think it is unimportant, and maybe that’s why they haven’t come forward,” he said. “It’s possible circumstances in someone’s life has changed that they will be able to come forward with what they know. We are very hopeful and very grateful for the work that has been done on the case so far, and we are so glad the OSBI has renewed the reward.”

Jason Shaw said he can’t begin to describe what his family has been through since his father’s death.

“We’ve been through so many stages, the grief and the loss, the way he died – it’s caused so much suffering,” he said. “It’s impossible to put it into words.”

Jason Shaw said the family has found some comfort in the support they have received from friends, their church and the community. Friends and fellow residents have continued their outpouring of support “all this time,” he said.

A scholarship has been established at Redlands Community College in Shaw’s name. He taught at the college for 27 years before he retired, teaching students language, writing and communication, Jason Shaw said.

The scholarship is dedicated for English, English Education or Communication Arts students with at least 24 hours of college credit who are continuing their education. Students must attend school full time, and preference is given to those with financial need.

To make a donation to the James D. (Jim) Shaw Memorial Scholarship, call Joel Drury at 422-1257 or e-mail him at druryj@redlandscc.edu. Contributions can be mailed to RCC Foundation Inc., 1300 South Country Club Road, El Reno, Okla., 73036. Donations are tax deductible.

Anyone with information can call El Reno police at 262-6941 or the OSBI at 848-6724.