Authorities seek crucial tip in Fort Myers murder

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A father is pleading for information after someone came forward with a tip about his daughter's murder, but the tipster has not followed up with police.

Julia Curvo was found dead in January, five days after she went missing. Police say they have been actively pursuing leads and following up on information received through Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers since her death.

"Since that time, we have been actively pursuing leads and following up on information received through Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers," Capt. Camacho of the Fort Myers Police Department said.

Detective Wolfgang Daniel said investigators have searched retention ponds and followed up on leads. One tip submitted through Crime Stoppers on Feb. 27 included detailed information about a possible location and physical evidence belonging to Curvo, as well as possible details about her homicide.

"That tip included detailed information regarding the location, a possible physical evidence belonging to Julia Curvo, as well as possible details about her murder," Daniel said.

Mark Curvo, Julia's father, said every day he wakes up wondering if it will be the day he hears something. He said every time the detective calls, he thinks this is it, and then it turns out not to be it, and that's okay.

Mark is speaking directly to the tipster, asking them to please find it in their heart and just choose to be strong right now and reach back out to the police, to Detective Daniel.

"We're desperately hoping that that tipster will reach back to us," said Trish Robertson of Crimestoppers.

Since Crimestoppers keeps everything anonymous, investigators cannot reach out to the tipster themselves. Julia's body was found on a quiet street where her memorial now sits.

Mark said the majority of Julia's daily contacts were with transients because of the unfortunate situation Julia found herself in. He said the sooner they can get the information that people out there have, the sooner this nightmare can be over for their family.

Mark told WINK News that justice will be when the person who murdered his daughter is in handcuffs. "We just need that information that leads to an arrest," Robertson said.

According to Crime Stoppers Manager Trish Routte, the tipster said they were open to speaking with police but has not come forward again. Investigators emphasized they believe the information is credible and it is extremely important they speak directly with this individual.

Crime Stoppers is now offering a $9,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police and Curvo's family say even small details could help solve the case as investigators continue creating a timeline from when Curvo went missing until her death.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.