Up to $1,000 Reward Offered
San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects who murdered Bryan Carter and Vernon Bownes twenty years ago.
On Wednesday, December 17, 1997, at about 11:00 p.m., Bryan Sean Carter and Vernon David Bownes were shot and killed while they were sitting at a picnic table in the front yard of a residence located in the 200 block of Francis Street, in San Diego. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on witness information, investigators believe two Black male suspects walked up to the victims and surprised them. After the shooting, a Black male and Black female went through the victims’ pockets, removing several items.
Anyone with information about these murders is asked to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.
- Media inquiries about this case should be directed to Lt. Mike Holden at (619) 531-2425 or email at mholden@pd.sandiego.gov
- Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or email at msherring@pd.sandiego.gov or Deputy Adriana Uribe at (619) 531-1547 or email at adriana.uribe@sdsheriff.org.