January 10, 2025 – San Diego Police Department officials report that San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and Chula Vista Police Department are asking for 
the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspects responsible for the murder of Ryan Cunningham.
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, began beating Cunningham immediately upon walking up to him.
The beating continued as Cunningham went 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 succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
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 case to contact them.
**Above is a sketch of the suspected stabber**
Suspect’s Description: All suspects were described as Hispanic males in the 20’s. The suspected stabber was described as a Hispanic male in his early 20’s, approximately 6 feet tall, thin build, with very short dark hair. Above is a sketch of the suspected stabber.
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. 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 Barbara Medina of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office at Barbara.Medina@sdcda.org.
- Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or email at msherring@pd.sandiego.gov.
Source & image: San Diego Police Department