Public’s Help Needed to Solve 2004 Cold Case Murder in Chula Vista

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that DA investigators, the Chula Vista Police Department and San Diego County Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspects responsible for the murder of a man that took place in Chula Vista more than 20 years ago.

On March 20, 2004, 22-year-old Ryan Cunningham was sitting on the patio of La Bella’s Pizza Garden in Chula Vista when he was attacked by a group of men. The suspects, several of whom were armed with various weapons, walked up to Cunningham and immediately began beating him. The beating continued as Cunningham fell to the ground and was eventually stabbed by one of the suspects. The suspects fled in two separate vehicles. Cunningham was transported to a local hospital where he later died.

Detectives from the Chula Vista Police Department Crimes of Violence Unit learned that several private parties were being held at La Bella’s that evening, including a baby shower. Numerous employees and customers of the busy restaurant witnessed the murder. Investigators are asking anyone who attended one of the parties, was at the restaurant, or who may have information about the murder to contact them.

All of the suspects are described as Hispanic males in their 20’s, who would now be in their 40’s. The suspected stabber was described as a Hispanic male in his early 20’s, approximately six feet tall, thin build, with very short dark hair. A sketch of the suspected stabber is attached.

“The victim, Ryan Cunningham, lost his life in this senseless murder and his family deserves to have justice,” said DA Summer Stephan. “It’s clear that there are witnesses that know who stabbed the victim to death or have other valuable information that can help police and investigators to solve this case, but maybe they are afraid to come forward or simply don’t want to be involved. The only way that we can keep all our neighborhoods safe is through partnership with the community. We urge you to provide any information you have about this murder not just because of the reward but because it’s the right thing to do.”  

San Diego County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information on this murder is asked to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. The public can visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.

Working with the Chula Vista Police Department, this case is being investigated by the DA’s Gangs Division, which prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent criminal street gangs, whose members terrorize neighborhoods across the county. In 2023, the Gangs Division conducted 19 murder jury trials, which was 36% of the total murders tried by the DA’s Office.