The unsolved murder of Sergio Sprandel serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences of steroid prohibition. The criminalization of anabolic steroids in the United States has forced the steroid trade into the black market. Steroids have become part of the criminal underworld where individuals involved in the distribution of steroids are increasingly more likely to come in contact with unscrupulous and possibly dangerous individuals.
Sergio Sprandel was killed by a single gunshot to the head in the La Jolla Village Square shopping center on August 31, 2000. His father has told the press that his son was on his way to meet his steroid supplier when he was killed. He took $15,000 to the meeting but the money was missing when police found his body.
Sprandel’s case is listed on the San Diego Police Department Cold Cases website. Hans Sprandel, the father of the victim, is currently trying to bring additional attention to the unsolved murder by going on a hunger strike in front of City Hall.
Hans Sprandel, 76, said he has grown frustrated over the years by the lack of an arrest in the killing of 22-year-old Sergio Sprandel.
“We know who it is, but the police or the DA’s Office doesn’t feel there’s enough evidence,” Sprandel said Thursday. “I don’t know how much more evidence it takes.”
[…]
Witnesses told police they saw two men run through the parking lot and escape in a black SUV, Johnson said.
One of the men was described as white, 6 feet 3 inches tall, 240 pounds, with dark curly hair and a full beard. The other was described as Asian, 6 feet 1 inch tall, thin, with long hair with the sides shaved.
The SUV was similar to a 1997 Ford Explorer with oversized tires, chrome rims and tinted windows.
Cold case homicide Sgt. Dave Johnson is hoping that someone can come forward and help break the case. Anyone with new information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Hopefully, the public will come to realize that the dangers of steroid prohibition are much more serious than the dangers of steroid use and demand a more pragmatic approach to the issue of non-medical steroid use.
About Millard Baker