It's been over three decades since the unresolved tragedy took place, yet the memory of Mimi Barraza's untimely death continues to resonate within the San Diego community. As reported by the San Diego County Crime Stoppers, the 21-year-old was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on September 4, 1993. Officials have not found closure in this case, urging the public again for any information that could lead to the perpetrators.
Following the incident, a white Chevy Astro van was implicated in Barraza's murder, found abandoned on 19th & G Street hours after the fatal shooting. Despite the vehicle's recovery, found with multiple casings from different caliber weapons, the suspects responsible remain at large. In connection with the case, a series of shootings in San Diego and National City using the same type of assault rifle are believed to be related, leaving another young life lost and nine wounded in their wake.
On the tragic night outside of a friend's home on 39th Street, Barraza was not just a victim but a daughter, a mother of a two-year-old child, and a bright college student with aspirations of pursuing law. In the chaos of the night, unperturbed by the bystanders in Barraza's vicinity, the shooters in the van opened fire, resulting in one of her friends being struck in the leg and Barraza herself suffering a deadly head wound.
The suspects in this stream of violence are believed to be Hispanic males with street gang affiliations from Logan Heights. A $1,000 reward is being offered for any information that would lead to the arrest of the individuals involved in this senseless act of violence that has, for 32 years, left a community grappling for answers and a family yearning for justice. The chilling echo of the shots that claimed the life of the former Miss Teen San Diego beauty contest winner still rings in the collective memory of a community in wait.
The SDPD's Cold Case Unit of the SDPD and the Crime Stoppers are asking anyone who might have information about this cold case to contact them. Witnesses or anyone with information can contact the SDPD's Cold Case Unit at (619) 531-2293 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Information can also be shared via anonymous web and mobile app tips through the Crime Stoppers website.
