Couple Taken Hostage Gets Majority Of Chris Dorner Reward Money

The couple taken hostage and tied up in their Southern California mountain cabin by Christopher Dorner will receive the majority of the $1 million reward offered during the manhunt for the rogue ex-cop.

A panel consisting of three judges decided on the reward money distribution and the Los Angeles Police Department released a document Tuesday revealing that James and Karen Reynolds will receive $800,000.

The money was rewarded to the couple because "the comparative value of the information provided and how directly it casually led to Dorner's capture," according to the panel of judges.

The rest of the reward money will go to Daniel McGowan who discovered Dorner's burning truck, and R.L. McDaniel, the tow truck driver who reported a Dorner sighting at a gas station early in the manhunt. McGowan will receive $150,000, and McDaniel will collect $50,000.

Dorner killed four people during his one-week escape from authorities, which ended in his death on Feb. 12 when he reportedly committed suicide after engaging in a shootout with police. The ex-cop promised to seek revenge on the LAPD and their families, accusing the department of racism and claiming he was wrongfully terminated.

The reward money distribution was affected by legal claims and controversy as the details of the payout, announced by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief Charlie Beck during the manhunt, were vague.

Several other parties claimed they provided the tip that ultimately led to Dorner's location, but the judges determined that it was McDaniel who led to authorities being able to corner the rogue ex-cop.

"As the officers interviewed Mr. McDaniel, Dorner's vehicle turned back," they wrote.

"Mr. McDaniel positively identified the truck," and the officers then used the information for their pursuit, which resulted in two shootouts between Dorner and authorities.

Then McGowan called in a tip on Feb. 7, alerting police to a burning truck on the side of an obscure fire route, information that led to a concentrated search for Dorner after authorities determined it was his truck that McGowan saw.

Karen Reynolds told authorities Feb. 12 that she and her husband were held hostage at gunpoint and tied up before Dorner stole their Nissan SUV to escape.

After Karen Reynolds provided the location of the cabin, the SUV's description and identified Dorner, Fish and Wildlife wardens spotted the assailant, setting off the chain of events that led to the end of the Dorner manhunt.