San Diego homicide detectives are taking another run at a Mountain View murder that has lingered on the books since 2011, asking the public this week for anything - memories, old photos, grainy video - that might finally break the case open.
The victim, 28-year-old Christopher Dunn, was shot in a drive-by in April 2011 and died days later from his injuries. More than a decade on, investigators say they believe someone out there still knows something they have not yet shared.
What investigators say
According to the San Diego Police Department, the shooting happened around 10:47 p.m. on April 20, 2011, in the 200 block of Catania Street. Dunn was rushed to a hospital, where he died three days later, per East County Magazine.
Witnesses told police the shooter’s car was a 1990s white two-door sedan with tinted windows, similar to a Honda Accord, and that two men were inside. Detectives say that vehicle description is still one of the few solid leads they have.
Cold-case record
The killing was first reported in April 2011, and early local coverage documented many of the same basic details that remain in the file today, underscoring how long this has been an open homicide investigation, according to 10News. No arrests were announced at the time, and SDPD’s homicide unit says the case is still active and waiting for fresh information.
How to share tips
Authorities are again asking anyone with information to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest or prosecution, according to 10News.
Tipsters can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers, which also offers an online form for those who would rather not pick up the phone.
Cold-case push fits a local trend
This renewed plea lines up with a broader statewide and local push to spotlight cold cases, including bigger rewards and coordinated investigative efforts intended to jolt stalled homicides back to life, per NBC 7 San Diego.
Coverage of Mountain View and surrounding neighborhoods has also highlighted how the area has been the focus of major gang prosecutions and lengthy homicide investigations in recent years - the long tail of gun violence that does not easily fade, according to reporting on the gang trio slammed with life terms in a deadly shooting spree.
Anyone with information about the April 20, 2011 shooting is urged to call the SDPD Homicide Unit or submit an anonymous tip to San Diego County Crime Stoppers. The City of San Diego cold-cases page lists both the homicide unit number and the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Investigators say even small details - a face that suddenly comes to mind, a remembered parked car, or an old clip of cell phone video - could be the thing that finally nudges this case toward justice.
