More than two years ago, a group of Napa Valley businesses came together to offer a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who killed two Napa women on Nov. 1, 2004.

The reward was never needed, as Napa resident Eric Copple came to police at the urging of his family and confessed to killing Adriane Insogna and Leslie Ann Mazzara, both 26. He is now serving a sentence of life in prison.

This week, those who pledged funds for the reward announced they will instead disperse more than $90,000 to charitable causes, with the lion’s share going to organizations selected by the families of the murder victims.

One major recipient is the local If Given a Chance Foundation, providing scholarships and support for local youth overcoming adversity. Insogna received a scholarship from the organization.

The other major recipient is a charity for abused and neglected children started in Mazzara’s honor in her native South Carolina, Leslie’s Cottage at the Calvary Home for Children.

Both will receive more than $42,000. The Napa Chamber of Commerce’s charitable foundation receives $2,000, and $1,000 each goes to the Salvation Army, Vine Village, Napa Valley Community Housing and Community Action of Napa Valley.

No takers

When the reward was established, it was intended solely to help bring to light information leading to the person who killed the two women, said Mario van Dongen, director of the reward trust fund and the publisher of the Register at that time.

But after police interviewed hundreds of people across the country in an effort to get solid leads in the killings, the murder case was resolved in September 2005, when Copple, then 26, turned himself in to Napa Police. His confession came shortly after police announced they had linked the DNA of the killer to some cigarette butts of an unusual brand, Camel Turkish Blend, that Copple smoked.

Since the reward did not play a role in Copple’s arrest, the fund trustees concurred the money should be returned to the donors.

“It was agreed the money would be returned if no claim was made on the reward,” van Dongen said.

District Attorney Gary Lieberstein, in talking to the victims’ families, suggested the money be divided between the two charities linked to the victims.

“The board couldn’t do that without approval of the donors,” van Dongen said “We talked to all of them first and then sent letters. For the most part everyone was agreeable. They are really pleased the case has been resolved and thought it was the right thing to do.”

“It is an incredible way to honor the memories of the women. The victims families are very pleased and heartened by this response from our community to their families. This is hope rising from the ashes of such a horrible situation,” said Lieberstein.

If Given A Chance helped put Insogna through college and realize her dream of becoming a civil engineer.

“I just think this is such a great way to honor Adriane and Leslie and give the public a chance to know what outstanding women they were. They were amazing young women and this will allow their spirits to live on,” said Jim King, If Given a Chance executive director.

“Six months before Adriane was killed she came to me and said she would like to start a scholarship in order give back because she had received so much. She always had that intent,” King said. “The donation will allow us to give other young people who are struggling to make their dreams come true.”

Insogna’s mother, Arleen Allen, said, “I am so delighted. It means Adriane’s memory will live on in perpetuity. This money will be available to help students who otherwise might not be able to go to college and fulfill their dreams. I have always been so grateful that If Given A Chance helped my daughter.”

Mazzara took a special interest in abused and troubled children. When she ran for Miss Williamson County in a South Carolina beauty pageant, which she won, her platform was to help abused children.

After her death, friends and family held fundraisers to build a home for children — Leslie’s Cottage — at Calvary Home for Children in Anderson, S.C.

Attempts by the Register to contact the home were unsuccessful.

Key donors to reward fund

Alkar Human Resources

Bell Products

Beringer Wine Estates

Cakebread Cellars

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Coldwell Bankers Brokers of the Valley

Chaudhary Engineering

Control Manufacturing

Dey L.P.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort

Franciscan Oakville Estates

Tom Gamble

Gasser Foundation

Morgan Lane

Napa Community Bank

Napa Land Title

Napa Valley Market Place

Napa Valley Register

Niebaum-Coppola Winery

Phelps Winery

Sir Speedy Printing

Syar Industries

Trinchero Winery

Vallerga’s Market

Vintage Bank