Family of missing man begs killers for closureBy Owain Johnston-BarnesThe family of Rudy Smith tearfully pleaded for assistance in finding out what happened to the missing man.Mr Smith’s mother, Madeline Rampersad, said: “It’s a very difficult time for me to be sitting here talking to you this morning, but I am appealing for the public for anything that they know, that they have that can assist this family.”Ms Rampersad and Mr Smith’s sister, Tanna Smith were both emotional during the brief press conference, with Ms Smith struggling to hold back tears.At one stage, the conference had to be paused so that Ms Smith could compose herself and wipe her tears from her eyes.Mr Smith was declared missing in July. A month later police announced his disappearance was being treated as a murder investigation.Senior Investigating Officer for the case, David Greenidge, said a number of people have come forward and provided the police with information.“We have exhausted a lot of investigative avenues at this point,” he said. “Some of that information has given us an idea and pointed us in a direction, however it is very important for us to have more information.“It’s important that we as a community come forward and assist this family, give some aspect of closure to this family.“If you have any piece of information about this incident, no matter how small. While you may believe it to be trivial or insignificant, it could assist this investigation.”Chief Inspector Nick Pedro said: “The investigating team has continued to investigate this matter, but the reality is that over the holiday season and New Year’s Eve Ms Rampersad, the mother of Mr Smith, spent her holiday not knowing what happened to her son or where he rests.“She does not have closure nor do her family. I am asking each and every member of the public to put themselves in her unimaginable position. There are people in the community who know what has happened, and there are people in the community who can bring his killer or killers to justice.”Asked if the police have considered issuing a cash reward for information in this case, Chf Insp Pedro said that Crimestoppers does offer rewards for information.“The police itself at this time are not offering a reward, but that’s something that could be considered down the line,” he said.Mr Smith was last seen on July 9 in the Deepdale area of Pembroke. The motorcycle he was last seen riding was found in the waters off North Shore near Grace Church in Pembroke.Anyone with information about Mr Smith is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 247-1185 or the independent Crimestoppers hotline at 800-8477.