Four individuals have been apprehended in connection with a brutal homicide that occurred over two decades ago at a pizza restaurant in California, marking a significant breakthrough in a long-standing cold case. The arrests were announced by authorities in January 2026, relating to the fatal attack on Ryan Cunningham, aged 22, which took place on March 20, 2004.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Cunningham was seated on the patio of La Bella's Pizza Garden in Chula Vista when he was assaulted by a group of men. The assailants utilised a variety of weapons during the attack, with one suspect delivering a fatal stabbing before the group fled the scene in two separate vehicles. Cunningham was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries, as reported by NBC San Diego.
Suspects and Legal Proceedings
The individuals arrested are identified as Jose Roque-Garcia, 50; Carlos Herrera, 42; Marco Herrera, 41; and Franco Dominguez, 43. All four are currently being held without bail and are scheduled to appear at the downtown San Diego courthouse. Notably, Roque-Garcia was already in custody at the county jail on an unrelated murder case from South Bay, having been detained since December prior to these arrests.
Renewed Investigation and Public Appeal
Chula Vista police have been actively investigating this case since the stabbing occurred in 2004. In a strategic move last year, the department issued a public plea for assistance in solving the cold-case killing. District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasised the importance of community partnership in a statement, highlighting that several private events, including a baby shower, were taking place at the pizza restaurant during the incident, suggesting multiple potential witnesses.
Stephan urged, "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." It remains uncertain whether a tip from this public appeal directly led to the recent arrests.
Context and Location
Chula Vista, situated approximately 16 miles south of San Diego, is the city where this tragic event unfolded. The arrests bring a renewed focus on cold cases and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to seek justice, even after many years have passed.
