Robert Joyal Family photo via Portland Police Department

Portland police are asking for the public’s help in solving a 20-year-old homicide.

Robert Joyal was an 18 year-old Gorham High School student when he was stabbed to death during a fight involving dozens of young people in the parking lot of a Denny’s restaurant on Congress Street in Portland.

Despite the presence of dozens of witnesses, no one was ever convicted for the killing.

Seiha Srey was indicted for murder based on interviews with witnesses. But, the charges against Srey were dismissed for lack of evidence. Srey later died in a 2007 shooting.

The case is now a cold case in Portland and the department is using the 20th anniversary of the crime to ask the public for new information. A news release from police asks witnesses who were reluctant to talk with police at the time to come forward now and help resolve the case and provide answer to the Joyal family.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Tully at (207) 874 – 8550 or go to https://www.portlandmaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2246.

To provide information anonymously, community members may contact police by text, internet, or phone.

• Mobile phone users can text the keyword “GOTCHA” plus their message to 274637 (CRIMES).

• Submit tips by going to the Portland Police Department website: www.portland-police.com and clicking “Submit an Anonymous Crime Tip.”

• Anonymous phone tips can be left on the Department’s Crime Tip line: 207-874-8584.