Unsolved Homicide of Emmanuelle “Benji” Thomas

Up to $1,000 Reward Offered

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Oceanside Police Department’s Crimes of Violence Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of Emmanuelle “Benji” Thomas.

On Friday, June 30, 2017, at about 1:00 a.m., Oceanside police officers responded to a call of a person down in the alley to the rear of 325 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside. When police officers arrived, several people stated that they had found the victim on the ground. The victim, who was later identified as 20-year-old Emmanuelle “Benji” Thomas, was unconscious and suffering from serious head trauma. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Detectives do not believe that this was a random act and are investigating the possibility that Emmanuelle “Benji” Thomas, who was homeless, was sleeping when he was attacked. 

Emmanuelle “Benji” Thomas 

Anyone with information about this murder is asked to call the Oceanside Police Department’s Crimes of Violence Unit at 760-4027 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 Detective D. Baxter at 760 435-4027
• 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.

Unsolved Homicide of Diego Armando Villa

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 suspect(s) who murdered Diego Armando Villa.

On Sunday, December 31, 2017, at about 1:00 a.m., 23-year-old Diego Armando Villa was approached by an unknown suspect(s) at 3800 Teak Street. Diego Villa was shot by the suspect(s) for unknown reasons. Diego Villa sustained serious injuries as a result of being shot and was pronounced deceased the following day at a local hospital.

Victim: Diego Armando Villa

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Anyone with information about this murder is asked to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2331 or (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 Deputy Adriana Uribe at (619) 531-1547 or email at adriana.uribe@sdsheriff.org. 

20th Anniversary of the Unsolved Homicide of Bryan Carter and Vernon Bownes

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.

2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNSOLVED MURDER OF JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ JR.

$5,000 REWARD

On October 11, 2015 at approximately 7:50 p.m., 18-year-old Juan Carlos Munoz Jr. and his 17-year-old friend were stopped in a vehicle in the 1600 block of Prospect Street in National City, when a Nissan Altima pulled alongside them. The front passenger of the Altima exited his vehicle and approached Juan Carlos Munoz, who was the driver. The suspect asked Munoz and his friend where they were from. The suspect fired five rounds from a handgun into the vehicle. Four rounds struck Munoz on his left shoulder and one round struck the 17-year-old on his left thigh. The suspect fled in the vehicle eastbound on E. 16th Street. Munoz succumbed to his injuries. His friend’s injury was non-life threatening.

 Suspect Description: Per several witnesses, the shooter is described as a light skinned Hispanic male in his 20’s, husky build with a shaved head. The vehicle was described as an early to late 2000’s 4-door Nissan Altima. Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to call the National City Police Department at (619) 336-4411 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward and the Munoz family has offered an additional $4,000 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 should be directed to:

• Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Sergeant Cameon at (619) 336-4524.
• 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

The Murder of Robert Juarez Remains Unsolved

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 and locating two unknown suspects wanted for the murder of Robert Juarez nine years ago. 

On July 10, 2008, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Robert Juarez (28-years-old) was sitting inside his parked vehicle in front of his residence located in the 1600 block of Logan Avenue, in San Diego.  An unknown male suspect walked up to Juarez’ vehicle and shot Mr. Juarez multiple times resulting in his death. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which was being driven by another unknown male. The vehicle was last seen driving eastbound on Logan Avenue. 

Suspects’ and Vehicle Description: 

Both of the suspects were described as possibly being Hispanic. During the shooting, the driver of the suspects’ vehicle was wearing a blue colored construction hard hat. The suspects’ vehicle appeared to be a 2006 pearl white Cadillac DTS with chrome rims.

Victim: Robert Juarez

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Anyone with information about this murder 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. Todd Griffin at (619) 531-2275 or email at wgriffin@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.

TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNSOLVED MURDERS OF JOEL BRANCH AND GERALD MORRIS

Up to a $1,000 Reward Offered

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VICTIMS

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Joel Branch

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    Gerald Morris

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San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit are asking for assistance from the public to help identify and locate the suspects responsible for the murders of Joel Branch and Gerald Morris.   On May 25, 2015, Joel Branch and Gerald Morris were shot and killed in the 5300 block of Groveland Drive in Valencia Park.  A third male was also shot a block away, probably by the same suspects.  The suspects were described as two Black males who were on foot. 

Anyone with information on this case should 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. Anonymous email and text messages can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.org. 

• Media inquiries about the case can 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

INFORMATION SOUGHT ON THE 17 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ANDREW MOORE’S MURDER

REWARD $56,000 

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit continue to look for leads in the unsolved murder of Andrew Moore. September 8, 2017 will mark the seventeen year anniversary of Andrew’s death.

The crime occurred on September 8, 2000. Andrew Moore, a San Diego City College student, was murdered in his apartment in the 1300 block of 8th Avenue, in San Diego. As part of the crime, Andrew’s 1994 Suzuki Katana motorcycle was stolen. The motorcycle was recovered on October 17, 2000, in the 1300 block of 24th Street. The San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit has not yet identified the suspect(s) in this case and are asking for the community’s assistance.

Every year Andrew’s parents fly from Pennsylvania to San Diego to present a student at San Diego City College with a scholarship in Andrew’s name.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore will be available for interviews today at 10:30 A.M., in front of the San Diego Police Department Headquarters, located at 1401 Broadway.

Anyone with information on the identity or location of the suspect(s) responsible for this murder is asked to call SDPD’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.  Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward and the Moore family has offered an additional $5,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrest in this case.  The Governor’s Office is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s).  Anonymous email and text messages can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.org.

Media inquiries should be directed to: 

• Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Lt. Mike Holden at (619) 531-2425 or email at mholden@pd.sandieg.gov.
• Questions regarding Crime Stoppers, or to speak with the Moore family, please contact Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or email at msherring@pd.sandiego.gov

One Year Anniversary of the Murder of Brandon Keiser

$ 1,000 Reward

On March 22, 2016, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Oceanside police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 400 block of S. Freeman Street.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim, Brandon Keiser, a 35-year-old Oceanside resident lying on the sidewalk in front of 410 S. Freeman Street.  Keiser was suffering from at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives from the Crimes of Violence Unit responded to the scene and spoke to witnesses who reported hearing an argument followed by gunshots.  Detectives are investigating the possibility that Keiser and the suspect knew each other and at this point, do not believe it was a random act.

Victim: Brandon Keiser

San Diego County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information on the identity and or location of the person(s) responsible for this murder is asked to call the Oceanside Police Department’s Crimes of Violence Unit at  (760) 435-4872 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via www.sdcrimestoppers.org.

Three Year Anniversary of the Alberto Sanchez Homicide

Up to a $1,000 Reward

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit continue to look for leads in the unsolved homicide of Alberto Sanchez. 

On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at approximately 6:00 a.m., San Diego police officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting at the intersection of 41st St. and Orange Ave. Officers found 45-year-old Alberto Sanchez lying in the driver’s seat of his vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso.  Paramedics responded to the scene and transported him to a local hospital where he later died.  

The preliminary investigation revealed a male in his 20’s on a bicycle fired several rounds striking Sanchez. The suspect was described as a dark skinned male wearing a dark colored sweatshirt with jeans.  

Anyone with information on the identity and or location of the person/persons responsible for this crime is asked to call SDPD Homicide at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.  Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via www.sdcrimestoppers.org. 

Alberto Sanchez

Homicide Victim

Media inquiries should be directed to: 

• Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Lt. Mike Holden at 619-    531-2425 or email at mholden@pd.sandiego.gov.
• Questions regarding Crime Stoppers should be directed to Officer Mark Herring at 619-531-1500 or email at msherring@pd.sandiego.gov.

One Year Anniversary of the Unsolved Murder of Victor Bacuetes

081616 One Year Anniversary of the Murder of Victor Bacuetes

Cold Case Card: Raymond White Murder 2007

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Unsolved Homicide: Sonny Carillo Murder

SUSPECT JULIO MENDEZ

On July 29, 2011, at approximately 11:24 p.m., officers responded to a fight at an apartment complex located at 47th and Castana Streets. Police officers arrived and discovered a Hispanic male suffering from a stab wound. The victim, Sonny Carrillo, was transported to a local trauma hospital for emergency treatment, but died due to his injuries.

One of the suspects in the murder has been identified as 21 year-old Julio Mendez. Mendez fled the scene on foot, shortly after the stabbing occurred. It is unknown where Mendez is at this time. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Mendez is Hispanic, 5’8, 180 lbs.  He has the numbers ‘32’ and a spider tattooed on the left side of his neck and blue lips tattooed on his left cheek. His left fingers are also tattooed.

About Sonny

sonny carillo

Sonny Carrillo was killed at the age of 20. He was a college student and employee at Frank’s Toyota in National City. Sonny was a son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. His family is devastated by his senseless murder and desperate for someone to come forward with the location of his murderer.

Unsolved Murder of Joseph Hutchins

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San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit continue to look for leads on the anniversary of the unsolved murder of Joseph Hutchins.

On July 29, 2012, at approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 4200 block of Chamoune Avenue in San Diego. They arrived to find a male, later identified as 19-year-old Joseph Hutchins, face-down in the driveway of the San Diego Fire Department station at the corner of Chamoune Avenue and Orange Avenue. Responding officers and paramedics administered life saving measures but the victim died at the scene.

The investigation revealed the victim was riding a bicycle in the area of Orange Avenue and Chamoune Avenue when a black male in his late 20’s wearing a gray tank top and dark shorts shot him. The victim fell off his bicycle and then ran across the street to the fire station, where he collapsed in the driveway. The suspect was last seen running south on 4100 Chamoune Avenue and may have been accompanied by three to four other males. The case remains unsolved and detectives continue to look for leads in the case.

Anyone with information on the identity and or location of the person/persons responsible for this crime is asked to call SDPD homicide at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via www.sdcrimestoppers.com

Media inquiries should be directed to:

• Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Lt. Mike Hastings at 619-531-2275. • Questions regarding Crime Stoppers should be directed to Deputy Adriana Uribe at 619-531-1547.

For information leading to an arrest, you could receive up to a $1,000 reward and remain anonymous. The qualification of any person(s) for the reward and the amount of the reward for any person(s) so qualifying will be determined by San Diego County Crime Stoppers, Inc, in its sole discretion. The amount of all rewards given shall not exceed $1,000. Information must be received on the tip line, (888) 580-8477.

Sharyn Kamrath Murder 1986

kamrath murder suspect

Sharyn Kamrath worked as a cab driver for Coast Cab. On the night of July 29, 1986, she picked up a male fare at Sixth Avenue and Broadway in downtown San Diego. The man got into the back seat and asked to go to 8101 Gilman Drive in La Jolla.When Kamrath eventually pulled off the I-5 Freeway onto Gilman Drive, (an undeveloped area in 1986) the man produced a handgun and ordered Kamrath to pull to the curb. The man robbed Kamrath of ten dollars in cash, ordered her to move to the passenger seat, shot her in the neck at point-blank range and pushed her out through the passenger door onto the shoulder of the road. The man then drove away in Kamrath’s cab.

Kamrath’s cab was found two hours after the shooting, abandoned on Fourth Avenue near Upas Street in Hillcrest.Several passers-by alerted police when they saw Kamrath lying on the side of the road. Kamrath was rushed to a nearby hospital, and although she was paralyzed from the neck down, she was conscious and alert and gave officers a detailed account of what had occurred and a description of the suspect.Kamrath described the suspect as follows: a black male, late 20s to early 30s, with a medium build, clean shaven and with short black hair. The suspect possibly had a Cuban, Dominican or Puerto Rican accent. (See sketch pictured above.)

Unfortunately, Kamrath was never able to recover from her injury and died in the hospital on August 26, 1986.

This case may be related to the murder of cab driver Linda Sue Younger, which occurred one month earlier in Old Town.

Unsolved Homicide: Kimo Muronaga Murder

Kimo

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit continue to look for leads on the seven year anniversary of the unsolved murder of Kimo Muronaga.

Detectives said on July 26, 2007, at about 10:30 p.m., Kimo Muronaga was shot and killed while walking from his home to his job at a print shop in the Mountain View neighborhood of San Diego. Detectives said Kimo notices a suspicious looking vehicle pulling over as he was walking on 3600 Imperial Avenue. He also noticed someone getting out of the vehicle. Fearing for his safety, Kimo ran away from the suspicious person. He was shot as he fled on Imperial Av near 36th Street.

Anyone with information on the identity and or location of the person/persons responsible for this crime is asked to call SDPD homicide at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via www.sdcrimestoppers.com

Media inquiries should be directed to: Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Lt. Mike Hastings at 619-531-2275. Questions regarding Crime Stoppers should be directed to Deputy Adriana Uribe at 619-531-1547. For information leading to an arrest, you could receive up to a $1,000 reward and remain anonymous. The qualification of any person(s) for the reward and the amount of the reward for any person(s) so qualifying will be determined by San Diego County Crime Stoppers, Inc, in its sole discretion. The amount of all rewards given shall not exceed $1,000. Information must be received on the tip line, (888) 580-8477.

Unsolved Homicide: Dillon Patterson Murder 2010

Dillon Patterson

On July 25, 2010, at 9:30 p.m., 19-year-old Dillon Patterson was found stabbed to death near Wideman Park, 6700 Imperial Avenue in San Diego. Detectives believe Patterson was attacked inside the restroom at the park.The San Diego Police Department is looking for information on the suspect responsible for this homicide. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible.

Unsolved Homicide: Mary Moya Murder 1987

mary moya 2

mary moya

(article reposted from 2010)

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (CBS 8 ) – The News 8 Crimefighters are helping police with a cold case murder that happened 23 years ago. (edit: Year 2015 now 28 years)

The victim was a mother of three found shot to death near the border. The killer has never been found.

“She was always fun, happy going. We’d go to the beach and have fun together. Go to the movies. She was your best friend,” said her son George Moya of Phoenix, Arizona.

It’s been more than two decades since police found the body of 40-year-old Mary Helen Moya off a dark section of Heritage Road near Otay Mesa Road.

The date was July 20, 1987. Her son George – age 12 at the time – is still waiting for justice.

“Somebody killed her in cold blood,” Moya said. “They shot her to death and left her out there to die.”

Mary Moya’s autopsy report describes four gunshot wounds to her head and neck, apparently delivered by a high-power rifle. The victim also suffered defensive wounds to her arm and forearm as she tried to block the gunman’s aim.

The Mira Mesa woman spent the weekend before her death in Rosarito Beach, Mexico with college classmates.

Somehow Moya ended up dead on this side of the border in a deserted area, now surrounded by junk yards and warehouses.

George Moya recalls how he found out his mother was dead.

“Three detectives from the San Diego police department knocked on the door,” Moya said. “All I remember is my grandmother screaming and my uncle ran over there and said, ‘What’s the matter’. He came back and told me they found your mom dead.”

News 8 interviewed Moya’s parents in 1987. The victim had telephoned her mother to say she was returning home. Moya’s body was found with no purse or identification.

“Over the years, you think a detective will call and give you an update. Nothing. I’ve never heard (anything),” Moya told News 8 in a telephone interview. “And I’ve looked on the internet for cold case files. You don’t see (anything) about my mom.”

The San Diego police cold case team is now taking another look at the murder. Officers are preparing information and photos to post online.

“Twenty-three years is a long time to be without a mom, a grandmother, a sister. It’s hard,” said Moya. “I’m speaking for all my family and it’s been very hard for all of us.”

San Diego CrimeStoppers is offering a one thousand dollar reward for information leading to a conviction in this cold case murder. If you have any information call (888) 580-8477.

Cold Case Card: William Wiggins III Murder 1997

William Wiggins III

Cold Case Card: Courtney Graham Murder 2010

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Cold Case Card: Kauko Aho Murder 2003

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