On May 18, 1987, in Denver, 33-year-old Houng Bihn Lieu stepped outside after his car alarm sounded and found people trying to break into his vehicle in the alley in the 1500 block between Hooker and Irving. The suspects fled when startled, and Lieu pursued them. During the chase one of the suspects turned and shot him. He was taken to a local hospital but died the same day; his death is recorded as May 18, 1987.

The Denver Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation classify the case as a homicide and have listed it among cold cases. The case remains open and investigators have appealed for information that could lead to arrest and prosecution.