News Summary
San Diego authorities are requesting public assistance in solving the 30-year-old murder of Mimi Barraza. The 21-year-old was shot and killed outside a friend’s home in 1993. Despite ongoing investigations, new leads are essential to uncover the suspects, believed to be connected to gang-related violence. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, with a reward offered for tips leading to an arrest. Community involvement is key in seeking justice for victims like Barraza and her family.
San Diego Authorities Seek Public Help in 30-Year-Old Murder Case
San Diego authorities are calling for public assistance in uncovering the suspects in the murder of 21-year-old Mimi Barraza, who was killed over three decades ago on September 4, 1993. Despite the passage of time, the investigation remains active, and officials hope renewed public interest will provide new leads.
On that tragic night, Barraza was outside a friend’s home with a group of acquaintances when a white Chevrolet Astro van approached. A sudden burst of gunfire erupted, striking Barraza in the head and causing her immediate death. Another friend in the group was also injured, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene, and the van was found abandoned a few hours later at the intersection of 19th and G streets. Reports indicate that the vehicle had been stolen the day before the tragic event.
Investigators recovered multiple bullet casings from the crime scene, indicating that several different caliber weapons were used during the attack. These casings, alongside the vehicle findings, have been pivotal in ongoing efforts to piece together the case.
Barraza’s Life and Legacy
Mimi Barraza was a vibrant young woman who had recently celebrated her 21st birthday just two days prior to her death. At that time, she was not only a former winner of the Miss Teen San Diego beauty contest but also a college student with aspirations of attending law school. Tragically, she left behind a young daughter, who was just two years old.
A Pattern of Violence
Barraza’s murder was not an isolated incident. During that period, several shootings occurred in San Diego and nearby National City involving the same type of assault rifle. As part of this crime spree, nine additional individuals were wounded in National City. Authorities noted a particularly violent incident where a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot in the 3800 block of Delta Street in San Diego.
Police believe the suspects linked to these crimes are predominantly Hispanic males associated with a street gang originating from Logan Heights. The similarities in the methods indicate a potential gang-related motive, prompting a more extensive investigation by law enforcement.
Call for Information
Importance of Community Involvement
The pursuit of justice for Mimi Barraza and other victims highlights the crucial role that community involvement plays in solving cold cases. With each passing year, the hope remains that someone may come forward with vital information that could advance the investigation and bring closure to the families affected by this and similar crimes.
As San Diego authorities renew their efforts to hear from the public, each piece of information could prove invaluable in ensuring that those responsible for Barraza’s untimely death are held accountable.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego First Responders Rescue Man from Hypothermia at Sea
San Diego Hosts a Weekend of Diverse Events
Diverse Events in San Diego This Weekend
Upcoming Weekend Events in San Diego
Renewed Efforts to Solve the Cold Case of Andre Mahan’s Murder
Alfredo Hernandez Dies in San Diego County Jail Custody
Live Facial Reconstruction of John San Diego Doe at Comic-Con
San Diego Attorney Sentenced for Fraudulent Stock Schemes
Super7 Launches Godzilla Station Pop-Up at Comic-Con
Kidrobot and NECA Unveil Exclusive Collectibles for Comic-Con
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Cold Case
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: Mimi Barraza Cold Case
- Patch San Diego
- Google Scholar: Mimi Barraza
- 10 News San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cold Case
- News Break
- Google News: San Diego Mimi Barraza
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
