On April 1, 1980, 50-year-old Mario Horta was found shot to death inside his own auto repair shop, Mario’s Transmission, near West 44th Avenue and Clay Street in Denver. His stepson, Frank Lopez, was also discovered at the scene, both victims having succumbed to gunshot wounds. Responding Denver Police entered the shop after a call that evening and located the two bodies.

The motive was not clear and no perpetrator was identified at the time. Despite investigative efforts over the years, no arrests were publicly announced and the case went cold. The investigation has since been assigned to the Cold Case Unit, and the Denver Police Department continues to seek information from the public that might help solve the double homicide.

If anyone knew Mario Horta or Frank Lopez, or has information about activity at or near Mario’s Transmission around April 1, 1980, please come forward to the authorities.