Sylvia Chavez was shot and killed on May 2, 1997, behind a Ralphs grocery store on Palmdale Road in Victorville, California. She died alongside Richard Chavez in what investigators described as a double homicide; the circumstances suggest a targeted attack but no motive or suspect information was released at the time.

The attack happened in a commercial area, which investigators say complicated efforts to collect reliable witness accounts and evidence. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has classified the case as a cold case; despite ongoing investigative efforts, the probe has stalled for lack of new leads. Authorities continue to ask anyone who witnessed the shooting or who has information to contact the Homicide Detail or submit an anonymous tip via WeTip.