Discovery of the Crime Scene

On the morning of February 26, 1999, San Diego police officers responded to reports of a foul odor emanating from a parked Dodge van on the 3800 block of Riley Street. Upon entering the vehicle, they discovered the lifeless body of 53-year-old Susan Eleanor Cohen. The medical examiner determined that Cohen had been strangled to death. Witnesses reported that the van had remained in the same location for at least two weeks prior to the discovery, during which time several young white females and a dark-complected male, possibly of Middle Eastern descent, were seen loitering near the vehicle on multiple occasions.

Background of the Victim

Susan Cohen, known affectionately as "Susie" among her acquaintances, had deep roots in the Ocean Beach and Imperial Beach communities of San Diego. For many years, she navigated a transient lifestyle, sometimes living on the streets, other times staying with friends or residing in vehicles. Despite the instability, Cohen maintained a presence in these neighborhoods, forging connections with various individuals. ...Read More