After two decades shrouded in mystery, a cold case murder finally sees a suspect behind bars. Ventura County authorities apprehended Antoine Nehme, 72, as he stands accused of the 2004 killing of Dennis Leroy Wood, discovered dead in his Moorpark home. Sheriff’s Cold Case Unit investigators, not giving up on the case that went cold years ago, have tied Nehme to the murder through new evidence surfaced last year.

As reported by KTLA, on April 16, 2004, at around 5:30 P.M., deputies found Wood's body during a wellness check in his residence on the 12500 block of Mountain Trail Street. The 71-year-old victim had been shot, and investigations at the time turned up short after following every lead available. For almost two weeks before deputies discovered his body, Wood lay dead from gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Last year, the case caught a break when renewed scrutiny by the Sheriff’s Cold Case Unit uncovered evidence connecting Nehme to the crime. While details of the evidence and the suspected motive remain undisclosed, it was enough to lead to Nehme’s arrest. As per the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Nehme was arrested on May 14, and is presently in Ventura County Jail with a bail set at $2 million awaiting court proceedings.

Those with knowledge of the crime who could still inform its context, are encouraged by Ventura County Crime Stoppers to reach out. They are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. Contacts to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous, the calls are not recorded, and they can be made at 800-222-TIPS (8477).