SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A new $50,000 reward is being offered in a San Diego cold case.
Fifteen-year-old Brandon Johnson and 16-year-old Donnell Davis were fatally shot on Highway 54 in 2008. Investigators are hoping the new reward will not only bring new leads, but closure for the victims' families.
"Every day I wake up hoping and praying that some way some how justice will be served," Brandon's mother Charmaine Johnson said.
It's a murder mystery that's gone unresolved for nearly two years, but a $50,000 governor's award could breathe new life into a South Bay cold case.
"We are hopeful this will act as an incentive for any potential witnesses to come forward and help to bring the perpetrators to justice," Lt. Dennis Brugos said.
On March 16, 2008, Johnson and Davis were driving with two other teens on Highway 54 around midnight in Bonita when suddenly a gunman in another car pulled up and opened fire.
"The surviving occupants were unable to give a description of the suspect or their vehicle, nor could they provide any possible motive for the shooting," Lt. Brugos said.
But investigators do know the victims were at a Chula Vista bowling alley prior to the shooting where there was an argument between two rival gangs, and had been asked to leave. But authorities are quick to point out neither Brandon or Donnell had any gang affiliation.
"They were not part of the altercation that took place earlier at the bowling alley, so this could very well be a situation of mistaken identity," Lt. Brugos said.
Detectives have also distributed special playing cards that not only feature Brandon and Donnell's case, but 51 other unsolved crimes to the county's seven jails. The hope is that an inmate will come forward with tips, identities or the whereabouts of the killers.
It's another tool the victims' parents say they're hoping will bring them closure.
"I know somebody out there knows what happened to Brandon and Donnell and I'm begging you from the bottom of my heart and my soul to please come forward and please get these murderers off the street," Charmaine Johnson said.
The governor's $50,000 reward is paid on arrest, conviction and sentencing.
