Murder of Frank Gove remains unsolved after 20 years

Posted: Mar 4, 2010 9:03 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Mar 4, 2010 9:03 PM

It's been nearly 20 years since a man was brutally beaten to death in San Luis Obispo and that case is still unsolved. Police said 70-year-old Frank Gove was killed on March 7, 1990. He was beaten to death while working at his son's baseball shop. It was located in the 1900-block of Santa Barbara Street.

It was a horrific scene Gove's family will never forget. They just keep hoping justice will one day be served for their loved one. Linda Barbieri, Gove's daughter, said, "We will find the person, I have no doubts. There are new ways of tracking people so someday they will find them."

The story even aired on "America's Most Wanted." A reenactment of what may have happened was shown. Detectives aren't sure what weapon was used but they said something was used to kill Gove.

Lieutenant Steve Tolley, San Luis Obispo police, said, "It looks like there were several blows to the back of the head." Cases were also smashed, baseball cards and memorabilia were taken from the store.

Lt. Tolley said, "It looks like there's a possibility Mr. Gove may have known the suspect and it started off as a robbery and unfortunately ended up as a homicide." Investigators said customers had just left when the crime occurred. "I'm hoping the police department is able to give the family closure with the arrest and prosecution of a suspect that's our goal from day one," said Lt. Tolley.

Barbieri said, "Do we think about dad all the time? Absolutely. Every place I go when I see a baseball card, when I see memorabilia, do I look to see if there's a piece that might fit to the puzzle that we don't have? Absolutely."

The family and police said they'll continue searching for answers. Gove's daughter said what made the death even more difficult her parents were getting ready to celebrate their 49th anniversary. They had planned a special dinner. Police said they've spent thousands of man hours working this case and have flown around the country following hundreds of leads.