KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNT) – A $100,000 reward has been offered in the cold case investigation of Alonzo Brooks.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan made the announcement Thursday afternoon.

“We are investigating whether Alonzo was murdered,” McAllister said. “His death certainly was suspicious, and someone, likely multiple people, know(s) what happened that night in April 2004. It is past time for the truth to come out. The code of silence must be broken. Alonzo’s family deserves to know the truth, and it is time for justice to be served.”

McAllister said they recently found new leads in the cold case that caused them to reopen the investigation.

Brooks attended a party near Lacygne on the night of April 3, 2004. His mom, Maria Ramirez, told KSNT News in 2004 a friend drove him to the party, but he left after someone challenged him to a fight. Shortly after his disappearance, family members found Brooks’ boots and hat along a nearby creek.

Family and friends found Brooks’ body in the beginning of May, not far from where the party took place, according to McAllister. He also said an autopsy was unable to determine the cause of death.

The FBI said it’s investigating Brooks’ death as a potential racially-motivated crime. Brooks was one of only three black men at the party.

On April 2019, the Department of Justice and FBI renewed the investigation into Brooks’ death and McAllister said this is still an active investigation.

Langan said the FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 to anyone who has information about Brooks’ disappearance. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.