James Chase, 58, was shot and killed on September 15, 2020, on the sand near a lifeguard tower on Abbott Street in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Patrol officers responding to reports of gunfire shortly after 1 a.m. found Chase mortally wounded; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The motive for the shooting was unclear, and it was not known whether Chase and the suspect were acquainted.

A 19-year-old, Thurs Loo John, was arrested after an altercation near Reno Drive and University Avenue. An officer nearby intervened; John was treated for injuries from the fight and then booked into county jail on suspicion of murder, held without bail pending arraignment. He was charged with murder and an allegation of using a semi-automatic handgun and pleaded not guilty. The investigation into the circumstances and any prior connection between Chase and John was ongoing.

If anyone witnessed the area around Abbott Street that night or has information about Chase’s movements or acquaintances, please share what is known.