San Diego police have launched a fresh review of a decades-old homicide after persistent pressure from family members who say they are still waiting for answers. On Dec. 11, 1993, Vera Campbell, a grandmother in her 80s and the matriarch of a large family, was found beaten and strangled inside her home on 45th Street. The killing left relatives without an arrest and the case remained unsolved for more than three decades.
Details From The 1993 Investigation
As reported by 10News, Campbell's daughter went to check on her after not hearing from her for several days and found the side door unlocked and wide open. Tracey Barr told the outlet, "Vera was beaten pretty badly and strangled to death." Detectives who examined the scene in 1993 found no signs of forced entry, and investigators did not develop a suspect or description.
Cold-case unit and modern science
Per the San Diego Police Department, the Cold Case Team, created in 1995, investigates unsolved homicides and coordinates with the county district attorney and other partners. The department posts contact information for the homicide unit and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Family hopes DNA will provide a lead
Campbell's relatives say the renewed review offers a sliver of hope after decades of silence. "It would be nice to get some closure," Linda Stone told 10News, and Tracey Barr said investigators hope items from the original probe can be retested using modern DNA technology.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477; tips can also be submitted online, per the San Diego Police Department. Investigators say even small details could be important to a renewed forensic review of evidence.
