Michelle Tate was 14 when she was killed in a drive-by shooting in Oceanside, California, on October 1, 1990. She had been standing outside Alberto’s Mexican Food restaurant at about 9:57 p.m. and was pronounced dead on arrival at Tri-City Medical Center.

Investigators concluded Michelle was not the intended target. The Oceanside Police Department detained one suspect early on but released that person for lack of evidence; the case remained open as detectives followed leads. The community held a candlelight vigil attended by about 70 people, organized by the Rev. LeRoy West of the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church.

Despite periodic reviews and continued hope for new information or forensic advances, the case has not been definitively resolved. If anyone remembers that night, saw activity near Alberto’s Mexican Food, or has information that wasn’t reported to police, please come forward.