San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and County Cold Case Task Force Advance Two Stockton Cold Case Investigations

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the San Joaquin County  Cold Case Task Force, is proud to announce that two Stockton cold cases have been submitted to a private laboratory for advanced forensic testing.

The first case involves Dedrick “DJ” Rico, 18, who was found deceased on May 17, 2003, at approximately 2:25 p.m. off Daggett Road, north of Highway 4 in West Stockton. Nearby investigators located the 2004 gold Mitsubishi Mirage he was last seen driving.

The second case dates back to May 23, 1994, when Lawrence Thomas Loehr, 23, and Eugene Cates, 23, were killed at a construction trailer site located at 10523 N. Thornton Road. Loehr died from a gunshot wound, while Cates suffered a fatal stab wound. The crimes occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 2:48 a.m.

District Attorney Ron Freitas:
“Every victim matters, and every life taken leaves behind a family searching for answers. These cases may be decades old, but they are not forgotten. We will continue to fight for justice no matter how much time has passed, and we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable. Today marks a milestone in championing justice for victims through innovations in technology and science. With the formation of the County Cold Case Task Force, our mission is to review old cases, identify potential evidence for DNA testing, and bring long-awaited answers to families.”

“Two cold cases from Stockton have been submitted for further testing with a private laboratory. We are hopeful this will lead to suspect identification and answers for the families who have waited too long for information about their loved ones,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth O’Hara.

The San Joaquin County Cold Case Task Force was established to review unsolved homicides and suspicious deaths throughout San Joaquin County. Comprised of investigators, prosecutors, crime analysts, and victim advocates, the task force works collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners. Their mission is to apply modern forensic science, advanced technology, and fresh investigative strategies to cases where justice has long been delayed.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office encourages anyone with information about these cases to contact the County Cold Case Task Force at (209) 468-9689.