Vann Lee Yates, 57, of High Point, North Carolina, was shot and killed on January 21, 2015 while working in his backyard. He had been working with a landscaper when two men approached asking to buy lawn equipment; one of the suspects shot Yates in the chest and both fled. Deputies conducted searches with airplanes and K9 teams but did not find the suspects.

Yates was born September 13, 1957, in Guilford County and had lived in the area most of his life. He was remembered by family and friends for his generosity and love of the outdoors. Investigators believe the suspects may have been involved in other robberies in the area the day before, and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek public tips. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $22,007.

If anyone has information about who approached Yates that day or about related robberies in the area, please contact the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.