In early May, 1987, restaurant owner Joe Luis Avila was found shot to death in his black 1985 Porsche Cabriolet Carrera.
He left his “El Ranchito” restaurant on Mesa Drive and Irvine Blvd at about midnight. Avila was found deceased a mile away from his restaurant, on May 7, 1987.
A newly purchased motorcycle was found abandoned near the scene. A few witnesses stated that they heard three to five gunshots, as well as honking from an automobile horn. A small, tan, four-door vehicle was seen leaving the area immediately after the gunshots were heard with three occupants in it.
Orange County Investigators are searching for new leads regarding Joe’s case. Any unexplored clues could lead to closure for the Avila family.
