By Erich Wagner (File photo)

The Alexandria Police Department announced Tuesday that a reward fund has been established for information regarding the shooting death of Ronald Kirby.

Kirby, the director of transportation planning at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, was shot to death in his Rosemont home on November 11. Police are still working to establish a suspect in the killing.

Police Chief Earl Cook said authorities are expanding their investigation and hoping to speak with anyone who interacted with the 69-year-old in the month prior to his death.

“He left such a big footprint,” Cook said. “He may have been in contact with people in his travels.”

While Cook would not say whether Kirby was targeted, he does believe the killing wasn’t a random act.

“It was a deliberate act to take his life,” Cook said. “We did not feel this was some random, dangerous [person] looking for indiscriminate victims.”

The Del Ray Business Foundation, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, has established a reward fund to encourage tipsters. Cook said the fund is starting around $5,000 but believes that figure will grow in the coming days and weeks.

Chuck Bean, executive director of the council of governments, said his organization already deeply misses the longtime transportation guru.
“He was a trusted colleague, mentor and friend, as well as a loving husband and father,” Bean said. “We are all devastated by his loss.”

City police have a dedicated tip line at 703-746-4258 for those who may have information about Kirby’s death or his activities in the weeks preceding the shooting. Callers can remain anonymous.

For donations to the reward fund, drop them off at the Del Ray branch of Virginia Commerce Bank at 2401 Mount Vernon Ave. or send them to the Del Ray Business Foundation at P.O. Box 2947, Alexandria, VA 22301.