Benjamin Avila was 69 when he was shot and killed in Denver on July 4, 2000. He worked as a street vendor, selling beans and other goods from his pickup truck and was well known in west Denver. Around 3 p.m. in the parking lot of a lounge on West Alameda Avenue, an argument broke out between Avila and an unknown man; the dispute escalated and Avila was shot. He was taken to a hospital but died of his wounds.

Investigators have not determined a motive and say it is unclear whether the shooting was a robbery or was connected to the argument. No arrests or publicly identified suspects have been announced, and the case has remained cold for more than two decades. His family remembers him as hardworking and good-natured; his daughter pointed out the tragedy of the killing occurring on his wedding anniversary and favorite holiday.

If anyone has information about the shooting or recalls seeing activity in the West Alameda Avenue parking lot that afternoon, please share what you know with investigators.