LA's Most Wanted: The 1975 murder of Officer Franke Lewis

(FOX 11) - It was 3 a.m. on Saturday, December 134, 1975 and Denis Gitschier was feeling sleepy so he pulled off the San Diego Freeway and parked on Cantel Street.

Not long after that, Long Beach Police Department Officer Franke Lewis was on his way home after finishing his shift when he noticed someone being beaten outside a car.

It turned out to be Denis Gitschier. Officer Lewis went to help but he was murdered instead. The man he was trying to rescue survived his injuries.

About three months later at a vacant house in Compton, Officer Lewis' badge and his police ID were found but his gun has never been located.

During their continuing investigation, Long Beach homicide detectives discovered that one or two Cadillacs might be connected to the officer's murder.

One of them was a black over blue mid-70s, 4-door Fleetwood. The other was a white, early 60s 4-door Fleetwood.

The drivers and passengers were African Americans.

The LBPD believes that time often encourages people to talk so they can clear their conscience.

After more than 40 years, rewards in total of $75,000 are available for the arrest and conviction of Officer Franke Lewis' murderer.

To contact the Long Beach Police Department. call (562) 570-7244. Callers who wish to be anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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