Detective Luis Lopez, 35, an eight-year veteran of the Manhattan South Narcotics unit, was killed on the afternoon of March 10, 1993, while working undercover on East First Street. He was involved in a buy-and-bust targeting a large marijuana purchase and several firearms. After going to his vehicle to retrieve $10,000 in buy money, he returned and was ambushed, struck by a gunshot to the chest at about 3:58 p.m. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital but died of his wounds about an hour later.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the killing. The man identified as the shooter was 23 at the time, later convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder and the sale of marijuana, and sentenced to 55 years to life. Detective Lopez left behind a wife and two teenage children; his son Luis Lopez Jr. later joined the New York City Police Department and became a Detective Second Grade.

Does anyone have memories of that East First Street area in 1993 or information that could shed light on the events that led to the ambush?