Stabbing Victim Was Inland Blues Musician
Neal Newman was on a break from his band's performance at an Ontario Hotel when he was killed.
by Ben Goad
The Press-Enterprise
The man knifed to death Wednesday evening (February 21, 2001) outside a hotel in an upscale section of Ontario was identified Thursday as accomplished blues musician and songwriter Neal Newman.
Detectives and family members said they had few clues as to who would want to kill the jovial man known to most people simply as Big Neal.
"He loved people and people loved him," said Susan Newman, the victim's wife of 15 years. He had zero enemies.
Ontario police Detective Mike Macias said the killer may have chosen his victim randomly, but investigators also were looking into the possibility that Newman was the intended target.
"So far, there's no evidence this isn't just a random attack," Macias said. "Still, when you're that well-known, you not only make friends, you make enemies, too. Sometimes you don't even know it."
Newman, 41, the front man for Big Neal and the Blue Rhythm Band, had been playing a set at the Ontario Airport Hilton Hotel, Macias said. The hotel sits among several restaurants in the area laced with high-rent office buildings.
Newman took a break about 6:30 p.m. and had walked out the hotel's front entrance, which was well-lighted, Macias said. In the final moments before his death, Newman was observed strolling near the hotel parking lot, humming a tune to himself, Macias said.
The assailant, described as wearing dark clothing and a black watch cap, was seen running toward Newman. As he approached, the man drew a weapon from his pocket and slashed at Newman's throat, Macias said.
Newman staggered into the hotel, asked for help and then collapsed, police said. Minutes later, Newman was pronounced dead on arrival at Arrowhead Regional Medical center in Colton.
An autopsy determined Newman died from a single stab would to his neck, San Bernardino County Coroner's spokesman Randy Emon said.
The assailant, who did not steal anything from Newman, was last seen running north through the hotel parking lot.
Still in disbelief over the killing, Susan Newman on Thursday recalled her husband's love for the music he wrote and then played on the guitar.
He had become extremely popular locally, playing everywhere from Palm Springs to Hollywood and across the High Desert, where the couple made their home. He recently had performed in Nashville, Tenn., and hoped to play the upcoming Catalina Blues Festival, said his wife, who is art director in the Press-Enterprise Marketing Department.
"He was getting so popular at what he loved — so respected by other musicians," said Susan Newman. "I just want someone to come forward with information to help us catch whoever did this."
Anyone who may have seen the slaying, or who may know the identity of the killer, is asked to call detectives at 909-395-2001 or send an email to Chief_of_Police@ontariopolice.org
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