On January 25, 2007, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Emerson Zuniga, was found suffering from a life-threatening injury in the front yard of a house located on the 4300 block of Stevenson Blvd. During the initial investigation, witnesses told officers they had witnessed Zuniga fighting with two other men just before finding him. Witnesses indicated the fight was brief and ended with one male suspect embedding a large metal object into the top of Zuniga’s head.
Following the
altercation, the two suspects left the area in a late 1980's or early 1990's metallic blue minivan with factory rims, that was possibly two-toned in color. This information has never been shared with the public, and a photograph of a similar matching vehicle is below.
Emerson Zuniga was transported to a trauma center and later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspects that had been seen fighting with Zuniga were described as two Hispanic males, late teens or early 20's, both approximately 5'8 to 5'10 with medium builds. The suspects were wearing baggy t-shirts and slightly loose fitted pants, possibly jeans. One of the suspects was wearing a black ball cap that said Raiders. Both suspects had medium to short dark colored hair. One of the suspects possibly had facial hair, described as a goat-tee and thin mustache. A third involved suspect, and driver of the vehicle, was described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s.
In recent months, new investigative tips have prompted the Department’s Cold Case Detective, Jacob Blass, to re-open and examine the evidence in this case. The new leads have provided the following composite sketch of the primary suspect who caused Zuniga’s fatal injury.
Over the last several years, the Department’s Cold Case Detective, Jacob Blass, has re-opened several investigations. Although we have some information based on witness accounts, this case has remained unsolved for almost 14 years. We believe that there are people who have information about this case and are hopeful that by resharing the details, someone will come forward.
On November 24, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the availability of a $50,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects wanted in connection with the murder of Emerson Zuniga. The reward is being made available as part of the Governor’s crime tip reward program.
