Detectives in Riverside are asking for the public's help to solve a murder that happened nearly 35 years ago.
On the night of July 11, 1991, Stephen Morgan finished his shift at the Moreno Valley movie Theater when he arrived home at the University Lodge Motel, where he was murdered in the parking lot.
“We do not know if there's any type of interaction, confrontation with the suspect,” Officer Ryan Railsback told KNX News’ Emily Valdez. “Just that it appears maybe right after he got out of the car, he was shot and then died.”
Officer Railsback said he doesn’t believe the suspect was trying to rob Stephen.
“His keys, his briefcase, his belongings, his wallet with money in it was all left there and not even looking like it was rummaged through,” he said.
Detectives at the time interviewed everyone they could, but they have no DNA. Officer Railsback said Stephen’s mom just wants closure in the case.
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“Miss Morgan, Stephen's mom, you know, she's in her late 80s,” Officer Railsback said. “She thinks about this case and thinks about Stephen every single day. The one thing she wants is just some peace that this case can be closed. A suspect could have been identified.”
Anyone with any information was urged to contact the Riverside Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit at HomicideColdCase@RiversideCA.gov or (951) 320-8000. The department is also accepting anonymous tips.
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