RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The family of a Pennsylvania couple injured when something shattered the driver's side window of their Chevrolet Silverado has offered a $10,000 reward for information about what caused the injuries.
"If conclusive evidence can identify that the projectile was the result of a criminal act, the reward will be given to the individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible," Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Molnar wrote in an email.
Thomas and Betty Doyle were headed south to visit their son in Florida the night of Oct. 10.
"The projectile shattered the driver's side window. The projectile also struck the driver and caused serious injury to him. Some material also struck his wife, who was the passenger, causing serious injury," Molnar said. "Both parties were transported to VCU Medical Center where they continue to recover."
Families members and police sources familiar with the investigation said the Doyles were injured in a shotgun blast. However, Virginia State Police said the evidence does not align with those statements.
"Currently there is no conclusive medical determination to suggest that the injuries sustained were the result of a gunshot wound," Molnar said.
Charles Brinkmann, Betty Doyle’s twin brother, said his sister was in stable but critical condition.
“She has pieces of debris in her neck,” he said in an interview earlier this week. “They’re trying to see if they should remove one, because it’s next to an artery.”
Brinkmann said his brother-in-law Thomas Doyle was paralyzed from the chest down due to the injuries he suffered. Family friend Sue Harrigan added the couple is "doing okay, the outpouring from the community has lifted them up."
Harrigan said the family is hoping the $10,000 reward will help detectives solve the case.
"Really think about if it was their family member or their friend, how important it would be for them to have somebody come forward and help us figure out what happened," Harrigan said.
Anyone with any information can contact the Virginia State Police at (804)553-3408.
