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Carpenters & Helpers

More than a year and a half after his mother was found stabbed to death in her Three Points home, Lee Allyn is still struggling with the same fundamental questions: Who and why?

With all leads exhausted in the July 17, 2006, slaying of Norma Jean Jay, a 59-year-old substitute teacher, Allyn and the Pima County Sheriff's Department are again turning to the public for any information that could help. Jay was found stabbed numerous times in her Three Points- area home; a fire was set to cover up the killing.

"It's been hard for the past, almost two years now, trying to cope with it," said Allyn, a 22-year-old radio disc jockey and the only child of Jay. "I'm just hoping that the person gets caught and brought to justice."

Allyn said his mother was a caring woman who carried canned food in her car to give to anybody she saw in need. She was a solitary person who enjoyed living in a secluded area and liked the desert and the wildlife in the area.

Jay was also an artist, and Allyn talked of fond memories of painting with her and making beaded earrings. In memory of his mother, Allyn got a tattoo on his calf of an insignia she designed in college and used on her business cards.

They got together for Thanksgivings, spending the day talking and viewing movies.

"I haven't given up hope. I still think of her every day, and I'm sure the person will be found," he said.

"It's changed me as a person. I'm really just starting to get back to being myself again. But it's hard knowing the person is still out there."

There is no known motive in the case, and the murder weapon has not been found, Detective Theresa Hess said. The arson of the house has hindered detectives.

"The attempt to conceal the suspect was significant enough to cause some challenges in the investigation," she said. "We're trying to generate any public information we can to proceed with any leads."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 88-CRIME or 911. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered, authorities said.