Sophia Marie Barrera was a 50-year-old owner of a dental laboratory who was killed on January 14, 1980, in south St. Louis when a bomb wired to her Ford Pinto’s ignition detonated as she started the car. She died instantly at the scene while leaving her workplace.

Barrera had been involved in a bitter financial dispute with a local dentist, Dr. Glennon Engleman, who reportedly owed her laboratory about $14,000. After she sued to recover the debt and refused to accept a reduced settlement, investigators say she became the target of a violent plot. Attention focused on Engleman as evidence emerged linking him to the bombing.

Federal prosecutions tied Engleman to schemes connected with the murder; he was convicted in federal court of mail fraud and conspiracy and later of damaging a vehicle in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and he was convicted in state court of capital murder for Barrera’s assassination. Anyone who knew Barrera or has information about her life, work, or the events leading to January 14, 1980, is urged to come forward.