Gilberto Cervantes, a 76-year-old tortilla factory owner, was shot and killed on March 20, 1977, in the driveway of his San Gabriel, California, home. The killing was presented at trial as a contract murder arranged by Cervantes’ stepson, Anthony de los Reyes, and de los Reyes’ wife, Paulette, who wanted to inherit the tortilla business. They allegedly hired Dennis Dean Winebaugh, a former security guard, to carry out the shooting for $3,500.

Winebaugh was arrested nearly a decade later after an accomplice, Dennis France, came forward. France, who drove the getaway car, testified against Winebaugh in exchange for immunity; a tape-recorded conversation in which Winebaugh admitted involvement was also used at trial. Jurors rejected Winebaugh’s alibi defense, convicted him, and sentenced him to life in prison. The matter also touched on veteran LAPD officer William E. Leasure, who was alleged to have arranged the killing but was not charged for lack of evidence.

Anyone who knew Cervantes, his family, or the tortilla business and has information about the case is asked to come forward.