Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspects responsible for the murder of 39-year-old Cynthia Denise Pepper that occurred 20 years ago in National City.
Cynthia “Denise” Peppers was in the front yard of her house located at 303 Mann Avenue, in National City on Dec. 28, 2002, at 7:04 p.m. bringing groceries into her house when two vehicles pulled up along the street.
According to San Diego County Crime Stoppers, the suspects from both vehicles began firing multiple gunshots at three gang associates, who were the intended victims, who were standing near Peppers in her front yard.
The suspects fled the area, leaving Peppers with fatal gunshot wounds to her face. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The three other victims suffered gunshot wounds but survived their injuries.
Peppers was a mother of four children.
Witnesses told responding officers at the scene the suspect’s vehicle was a red or orange colored Nissan 2080 or 300 ZX and the second was a gray Honda Accord or Acura hatch back.
Both the suspect and the victim group are rival blood gangs. Witnesses said both vehicles were occupied by 4 to 6 males.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case. Anyone with information about the murders is asked to contact the San Diego County District Attorney’s office at (619) 531-4277 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the case.
