Alpine police say the reward for information leading to the whereabouts or safe return of a missing West Texas college student has increased to $200,000.
Zuzu Verk/FacebookPolice announced the increase Monday in the disappearance of Zuzu Verk, a 22-year-old from the Fort Worth-area who is a junior at Sul Ross State University in Alpine.
Though he hasn't been arrested, police have said Verk's boyfriend, Robert Fabian, has been named a suspect because investigators believe he was the last person with her before she disappeared.
Police said Fabian told officers he last saw her on Oct. 12 and that he reported her missing to police two days later. Police said he's refused to answer police questions since reporting her missing.
During the course of the investigation, police have said Verk could be in danger but have declined to elaborate.
Fabian's attorney, Liz Rogers, said she had no comment Monday.
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During a news conference in Alpine on Oct. 21, Verk's father, Glenn Verk, pleaded for Fabian to cooperate with police in the search for his missing daughter.
"Robert, I'm asking you please to help us. I haven't seen you yet. I've seen a lot of people here helping," said Glenn Verk. "If you would please come and cooperate with the police department and help us and help them. I know that you love her – I hope that you do – and this would be a way to show it."
The search for Verk has involved a number of local and state agencies as well as private search organizations -- all looking by air, on foot and on horseback. Last week the search for Verk was expanded to include Marathon, Fort Davis, South Brewster County, Marfa and Presidio County.
Verk is described as 5 feet tall and 110 pounds with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Her natural hair color is brown but was recently colored blonde.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Alpine police at 432-837-3486. Callers may remain anonymous.
