FRANKLIN, Ind. — Authorities are seeking to quadruple the reward for information that could help solve one of the most gruesome crimes in Johnson County that took place two decades ago. The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office is asking to increase the bounty from $25,000 to $100,000 for de tails regarding the deaths of Blake Dickus and his stepmother, Chynna Dickus. Prosecutor Lance D. Hamner announced the request Friday afternoon at his office in Franklin. Officials hope the $100,000 incentive will generate new leads and encourage people who have remained silent to finally speak up. “For nearly 20 years, the Franklin Police Department has worked tirelessly on this case, following leads and pursuing information that may help bring resolution to these tragic murders,” Hamner said. “It is time for those who know something to come forward. It is time for answers.” Blake and Chynna were found stabbed to death in their home on July 24, 2006. Hamner said the renewed effort is directed at people who may know something about the deaths and at the person responsible. “We especially want to hear from anyone who actually knows something—particularly family members or friends of the killer who have not yet told the police what they know,” Hamner said. Investigators believe some individuals have significant information but have not shared it, regardless of whether they have spoken to police in the past. “Little Blake and his stepmother, Chynna, deserve our very best efforts to secure justice for them,” Hamner said. He expressed hope that the person responsible would step forward and take responsibility for what happened. “Our hope is that the killer himself will come forward and accept responsibility,” Hamner said. “We hope he will recognize how deeply Blake and Chynna were loved and choose to do the right thing by admitting what he did. And if not, the killer, we hope his family members will come forward and do the right thing.” In his appeal, Hamner noted that relationships and loyalties often shift over two decades, but the facts of the case remain the same. “If you knew something then but were reluctant to come forward, we are asking you to reconsider that decision now,” Hamner said. “Twenty years have passed. Circumstances change. Relationships change. Loyalties change. But the truth does not change and it needs to come out.” While the money serves as an incentive, Hamner emphasized the moral obligation to help. “Come forward because it is the right thing to do,” Hamner said. “Let me reiterate that: It is the right thing to do. Twenty years is long enough. Your information no matter how insignificant you may think it is could be the information that finally brings justice for Blake and Chynna.” Franklin police have looked into hundreds of leads in the investigation. Detective Sergeant John Borges said one break in the case came nearly 11 years ago. “The screen was cut in a T pattern, sliced over and sliced down to where it laid open to where somebody could actually crawl through a window,” Borges said. Borges believes the Dickus case is related to a string of five burglaries in Franklin that were similar. All of the break ins had window screens that had been cut in a T shape. The burglaries all happened during the summer months of June and July. They were all committed during the daytime. The victims in each case reported ransacking and refrigerators that had been gone through. Each happened within a half mile radius of the Dickus home, on Aberdeen Drive. One occurred on the same day and street as the Dickus murders. “We believe there is a direct correlation. We believe the scene are connected and we’re seeking the public’s help. (We’re) trying to find out who is responsible for those burglaries as well as the homicide,” said Detective Sgt. Borges. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Franklin Police Department. ...read more read less