On the night of May 8, 1996, at about 11:00 p.m., Dr. Tsunao Saitoh and his 13-year-old daughter, Loullie (also spelled Loulli in some reports), were ambushed in their driveway as they returned from the UCSD research lab. Neighbors heard the gunfire and passers-by discovered both victims shortly afterward. Dr. Saitoh was found slumped over in the car; Loullie had run a short distance and then was shot and killed.

Numerous .380 caliber casings recovered at the scene were forensically linked to a Grendel P-12 .380 semi-automatic pistol, a model made in limited quantities. The murder weapon itself was never recovered. Investigators conducted an exhaustive probe but the motive remains unknown; neither victim had known enemies or involvement in high-risk activities.

Anyone with information about the shooting, the Grendel P-12 pistol, or unusual activity in the neighborhood that night is asked to come forward.