Christopher Deleast Ware was 23 and a resident of Colton, California, when he was killed on April 26, 1994. Authorities determined he died of multiple gunshot wounds, and the Colton Police Department treated his death as a homicide and opened a major investigation.

Investigators brought several people in for questioning and followed numerous leads, but the probe met setbacks: few concrete leads and reluctance from potential witnesses to cooperate. A few months after the killing an arrest was made and the suspect was charged with murder and related offenses. The case went to trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict, and the defendant received a lengthy prison sentence.

The killing and its aftermath sparked outrage in the Colton community and prompted calls for increased policing and prevention efforts. If anyone knew Christopher, saw him in late April 1994, or has information about the events around that date, please come forward.