Crimestoppers began in the wake of a tragedy in 1976. A student worker was shot and killed while working at a local gas station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The officer that was investigating the case believed that a local resident was responsible for the crime. He also believed that another resident knew who had committed the crime but was not willing to speak to the police. The officer set up an anonymous tip line and declared on television that a reward would be paid to anyone who gave information that resulted in an arrest. Local businesses provided financial support and the media gave the tip line the publicity it needed. Within a few weeks a person called the number and gave police information that led to the arrest and charging of the suspects. Other people began calling the number to give information about other crimes in the area and a new tool in the fight against crime was discovered.