$50,000 OFFERED FOR SLAYING INFO.

Byline: GIDEON RUBIN Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- Sheriff's officials seeking help from the public in solving the mysterious shooting death of a retired plastic surgeon will announce a $50,000 reward today for information leading to the killer's arrest and conviction.

Capt. Ray Peavy of the Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide bureau also will make public some leads detectives have in the slaying of Dr. Esfandiar Kadivar, a 64-year-old Iranian-born man found dead July 5 on his ranch about 10 miles west of Lancaster.

Kadivar, who went by the first name Steve, worked at Antelope Valley Hospital for 27 years before retiring in 2003.

His body was found on a 160-acre ranch where he raised cattle, alfalfa and pistachios that friends said reminded him of his native Iran.

Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and family members of the victim will attend a press conference at 2 p.m. today announcing the effort.

``We're seeking the public's assistance to get information to try to solve this crime,'' Deputy Johnnie Jones said. ``This was a very heinous crime and we want to solve it and get a murderer off the streets.''

[e-mail]

[phone]