My Father Murdered My Mom—Let’s Bring Him to Justice

***The FBI is currently offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture of Rogelio Vasquez***

My name is Emily Vasquez Ross, I need your help to bring justice for my mom, Sugie Lane Vasquez. After 27 long years, I am still waiting for closure. Rogelio Vasquez, my father, took her life in 1997 because she wanted to leave his abuse and create a better life for us. Yet, while we suffer, he continues to live freely. It’s time for this to end.

What Happened:

Sugie was married to Rogelio Vasquez for 20 years. During those years, she endured unimaginable abuse. On May 16, 1997 she finally decided to leave, he made sure she couldn’t—he murdered her. Despite taking her life, Rogelio has been able to evade justice for nearly three decades. Wonder how he could do that?!

Why I’m Starting This Campaign Now:

For 27 years, I have carried the unbearable weight of losing my mom to domestic violence—a pain that never fades. But recent events have dumped fuel on the fire inside me to fight for justice. My father’s family publicly listed him as a SURVIVING sibling in an obituary for his sister. This was not only a devastating blow but also a glaring reminder that they know where he is and have known all along, yet they continue to protect him.

My mom spent 20 years married to my father, surrounded by his family, yet they treated her as if she meant nothing. Even after her life was brutally stolen, their actions have shown no remorse. Instead, they continue to shield the man who killed her, disregarding the pain he inflicted and the lives he shattered. This betrayal of her memory—MY MOM—is a pain I can no longer bear in silence.

This moment, this blatant act of disregard, was the turning point for me. I refuse to let her story be buried or her life reduced to a footnote in an obituary that protects her killer. I am stepping forward to demand justice, to honor her, and to ensure her voice—and the voices of so many like hers—are heard. This fight is for my mom, for the love she gave, and for the justice she deserves.

Why This Matters:

The pain of knowing that they’ve made a conscious decision to keep his whereabouts a secret is indescribable. I’ve lived with the impact of this loss my entire life—missing my mom, fighting for justice, and carrying the weight of unanswered questions. It breaks my heart that my mom, who was a human being with dreams, love, and value, has been forgotten by those who could easily bring her murderer to justice.

Why a Bigger Reward Matters:

As heartbreaking as it is to admit, the saying 'money talks' rings true. A larger reward might compel someone to finally come forward and share what they know. I’m starting this GoFundMe in hopes of raising enough money to increase the reward for Rogelio’s capture. My mom deserves justice, and our family deserves closure.

What Your Support Will Do:

Increase the Reward: Encourage those with information to come forward.

Raise Awareness: Share Sugie’s story far and wide.

Strengthen the Fight for Justice: Support efforts to bring Rogelio to justice and hold those who protect him accountable.

What Happens to the Money If the Reward Isn’t Claimed?

If Rogelio is caught and the reward isn’t claimed, all remaining funds will be donated to the Sugie Lane Foundation, a nonprofit organization created in my mom’s honor. The foundation helps victims of domestic violence find safety, resources, and hope for a brighter future.

To learn more about the work we do through the Sugie Lane Foundation, visit www.sugielane.org. Your generosity will not only help in the fight for justice but will also support countless others in need.

I can’t do this alone. Your support—whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign—can make a huge difference. Together, we can give my mom the justice she deserves and bring peace to our family. Please help us make sure Rogelio Vasquez doesn’t live another day free after taking a life.

Thank you for caring, for sharing, and for standing with me in this fight for justice