San Diego County Crime Stoppers along with investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect responsible for the murder of 51-year-old Steven Nelson. 

On January 23, 2011, at approximately 10:24 p.m., the San Diego Police Department’s Dispatch Center received several 911 calls of a shooting at Riley’s Bar, located at 2901 Nimitz Blvd., in San Diego. Officers arrived and located a gunshot victim (later identified as Steven Nelson) inside the bar. 

Nelson was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to UCSD Hospital for medical treatment. Nelson received multiple surgeries and was eventually transported to a long-term care facility. After nearly 14 years in medical treatment facilities, Nelson died as a result of the injuries sustained from the shooting on December 16, 2024.

According to witnesses at the bar, Nelson may have been involved in an argument with an unknown male who later shot him multiple times.

Suspect’s Description

The suspect was described as a tall and thin Black male adult, in his mid-30’s, with short black “afro” hair and a thin mustache. The suspect was wearing a light brown sweater and black jeans. The suspect fled the scene, possibly with companions in an unknown make and style vehicle.

A photo of Steven Nelson can be found on page 2 of this release.

Anyone with information on this murder is asked to call the SDPD’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.

• Media inquiries about this case should be directed to Lt. Lou Maggi at (619) 531-2775 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Media inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring
  at (619) 531-1500 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Deputy Emilio
  Castillero at (619) 531-1547 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..