On April 9, 1979, Sandra Faith Phillips, who was 33 years old, was found dead inside of her West Los Angeles residence.

Phillips’ death was attributed to strangulation and the apparent motive for the crime was of a sexual nature.

Although an extensive investigation was conducted, no viable suspects were identified during the original investigation and the case remained unsolved for over 30 years.

When biological evidence recovered from the Sandra Phillips’ crime scene was analyzed for the presence of DNA, foreign DNA was tested and genetic profile was uploaded into California’s Department of Justice CODIS databank.

In December 2007, cold case detectives received notification that from this submission, a convicted offender, Leonard Alex Dominquez, had been identified via a “cold- hit” CODIS match.

Dominquez had been arrested for a narcotics offense. This “cold-hit” investigative lead caused detectives to re-open the Phillips’ murder investigation.

After conducting an in-depth investigation, detectives developed additional evidence implicating Dominquez’ culpability in the crime.

On March 23, cold case detectives arrested Leonard Dominquez, near his Los Angeles home.

Anyone with inquires or information regarding this murder can call detective L. Compton or P. Lee , Cold Case Special Section, at (213)846-6910.