Investigators ask for public’s help in Point Loma cold case
Jan 15, 2025
A 51-year-old man died last month due to injuries he suffered in a Point Loma bar shooting nearly 14 years ago, and investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying the gunman who caused his death.
San Diego police homicide detectives said Steven Nelson was shot multiple times inside Riley’s Bar on Nimitz Boulevard near Rosecrans Street on the night of Jan. 23, 2011.
Steven Nelson. (San Diego County Crime Stoppers)
Investigators believe a possible argument with an unidentified man led to the shooting, officials said.
The gunman fled, possibly with companions, in an unknown vehicle, investigators said.
Paramedics took Nelson to a hospital, where he had multiple surgeries, according to investigators. He had been under medical care since the shooting and died at a long-term care facility on Dec. 16.
On Wednesday, San Diego Crime Stoppers announced a reward of up to $1,000 for information on the shooting.
The alleged gunman was described at the time of the incident as a tall, thin Black man in his mid-30s with a short, black Afro and thin mustache, officials said. He was wearing a light brown sweater and black jeans.
Anyone with information was asked to call the homicide unit at 619-531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.