Pete Lopez, 50, was found shot to death near the St. Jude Shrine west of Socorro, New Mexico, on March 29, 1997. His body was discovered by passersby early that morning; he had been shot multiple times and nothing was reported stolen from him. Lopez worked as an optical technician at White Sands Missile Range and had been described as well-liked by coworkers.

That morning Lopez had left his home in Socorro reportedly heading for Alamogordo, where he worked during the week, but his body was found in the opposite direction near the small church off Highway 60. His family, including his father and brother, say the circumstances are baffling. Reports mention tensions in his personal life, particularly with his third wife, but investigators had no solid leads and the motive remained unclear.

The case remains unsolved; anyone with information about Pete, his movements on March 29, 1997, or unusual activity near the St. Jude Shrine is asked to come forward.