FAMILY OF TOURIST WHO WAS KILLED OFFERS A REWARD IN DEATH OF JONAH BRYANT

''We deeply regret the loss of Jonah, '' said Damon Vasilkioti, whose mother, Gail, was shot Sept. 12 during a robbery on East President Street. Vasilkioti, 56, of Larchmont, N.Y., died six weeks later.



Bryant, 15, was shot dead last month trying to protect his mother from a robber at their home on East 37th Street.



The Vasilkioti family and friends Thursday offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Bryant's killer.



''When my mother was shot, we were told this just doesn't happen,'' Damon Vasilkioti said. ''Of course, they were referring to black-on-white crimes.



''As evidenced by this most recent murder, black-on-black or black versus white should have no relevance. An innocent person lost their life. Color bears no weight in this matter.



''A son lost his life defending his mother, a chance which I did not get.''



The $1,000 will be added to the existing reward to catch Bryant's killer. The Savannah Automobile Dealers' Association recently donated $2,500 to add to the $2,500 already offered by Crime Stoppers.



Anyone with information on the Jonah Bryant shooting can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 234-2020.