On August 27, 1978, 22-year-old Gary Collins of Rancho Cucamonga was found fatally shot outside the Nite Lite Bar at Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. He had been at the bar with friends, stepped outside around 1:00 A.M. to sit by his vehicle, and was discovered about 45 minutes later lying next to the car. His pockets were turned inside out, suggesting a possible robbery motive.

Gary’s belongings were recovered a week later by a citizen near the Magic Lamp Restaurant on Foothill Boulevard and Red Hill. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated but made no arrests, and the case went cold. It was reopened in 2010 to pursue new leads and forensic opportunities, yet no reported breakthroughs have solved the murder.

Anyone who knew Gary or has information about that night is asked to contact the Sheriff’s homicide detail or the anonymous tip line.