2 Kensington men rewarded in rape suspect's capture

Two Kensington men each received a $5,750 reward yesterday for their roles in the capture of Jose Carrasquillo, 26, who allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl on her way to school Monday morning.

"These guys stepped up to the plate," said Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby, adding that $1,500 of the reward money was donated by a private citizen. "It shows it really hit the community hard. It's a good feeling [to know] he's off the street."

Investigators determined that two men from the mob of Carrasquillo's attackers, Fernando Genval and David Vargas, should receive the reward, McNesby said.

"My daughter was happy to finally meet them, and I was happy to finally meet them," said Demetrice Reynolds, the victim's mother. "They said she's their sister now."

In response to controversy surrounding the beating of Carrasquillo before he was charged, McNesby said the FOP does not condone vigilantism, but that he has no problem with how Carrasquillo was apprehended.

"There wasn't even a second thought [about giving the reward]," he said.

Reynolds and her husband, Clifford Reynolds, the victim's father, plan to host a celebration this afternoon at their home and a nearby park.

Mayor Nutter is expected to attend the celebration, and Peach Ocasio, office manager of Interior Furniture on Kensington Avenue, said the store will donate a bedroom set to the victim, which will be delivered today.

Clifford Reynolds yesterday apologized to Michael Zenquis, the man who was beaten after being mistaken for the suspect.

"I can never rest in peace without letting this gentleman know how deeply sorry that I am that this happened to him," Reynolds said.*