Laxmi Patel was a 19-year-old resident of El Cajon, California, who was found dead in her apartment on October 14, 1993. Investigators described her death as a brutal murder: she had multiple stab wounds and the scene showed signs of a struggle, suggesting she fought her attacker.

The case went cold for several years with no immediate suspects. In 2001 DNA evidence re-examined from the scene produced a match that led to an arrest. The suspect, who had a prior criminal record, was charged; at trial the prosecution relied on the DNA match and witness testimony placing the suspect near Patel’s apartment the night of the murder, while the defense argued the DNA was circumstantial. A jury convicted the defendant of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life without the possibility of parole.

If anyone knew Laxmi, lived near her, or has information about that night, please share what you remember.