UNSOLVED CASES

Law Enforcement is looking

for information on the below

cases.  If you have any information please call.  (Updated 05/22/2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOMICIDE

On 08/23/03 the Victim LACY FERGUSON was in the parking lot of the Quik Stop @ 1501 Paradise Rd. While at the location the V was an innocent bystander when a Black Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla 4 door committed a drive by shooting, fatally wounding Ms. Ferguson.  The shooting is reported to be gang related. If you have any information call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-INFO (4636) or e-mail our online tip-line.                                 

  Victim: Lacy Ferguson


HOMICIDE

Stanislaus Sheriff's Department is investigating the Homicide of Victim JOSE HURTADO

(shown here).  On November 22, 2009 unknown assailants killed HURTADO while he was in the 1200 block on Inyo Avenue in Modesto.

If you have any information on the murder of JOSE HURTADO please contact Crime Stoppers.

 

 


 

HOMICIDE

Victim:  Joshua Bersuch

 

Police in Denver, Colorado are asking for information on the Homicide of Victim JOSHUA BERSUCH shown here.  On April. 25, 2004 Denver Police responded to a report of a horrific

scene in the alley behind 4200 Colmbine and Josephine Streets in Denver, Colorado.  A resident in the area had come upon a grisly scene, finding a body burning in a trash dumpster in the alley.

Detective Joseph DelMonico of Denver Police said the crime was "a very, very vicious crime."  BERSUCH had recently moved from the Modesto area to Denver. Denver authorities say that BERSUCH had no known enemies in the Denver area, but it was reported he was having trouble with unknown individuals in Modesto.

Denver authorities say they don't know the motive of the killing, but there is one thing certain, the killer wanted the body found and wanted the cruelty of his death to be known.

 

 


 

HOMICIDE

 

On August 26, 1995, Donald Clarence Norwood, was found by his live-in girlfriend, Brenda at their home in the 3700 block of Sierra Street, Riverbank. Norwood was found in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds to the body. A knife used to kill Norwood was found protruding out of his head. Evidence indicated that Norwood was in bed when the attack started. Norwood was stabbed and was able to crawl to the bedroom door before collapsing. No evidence of forced entry was found and nothing was taken from the residence including his wallet. A vehicle, Honda Accord was gone from the residence and was located four blocks away at the Cattleman’s club in Riverbank. Brenda was at work in Oakdale at the time of the homicide which was confirmed.
 

 

Hundreds of leads were developed with numerous individuals questioned about this homicide but no suspects were developed.
 

The Governor's Office is offering an additional reward for $50,000.00 in this case.  (Guidelines are specific and is offered separate from the Crime Stoppers Reward.)


 

HOMICIDE                                            

On 08/31/2005 the Victim/Betty ELINBERG (pictured) was assaulted in her home @ 1501 Lassen Av, Modesto.  The Victim was in her home for 3 days before the Sheriff's Department responded for a security check at the home.

ELINBERG was transported to a local hospital where she died as a result of her injuries on May 7, 2006.

Stanislaus Sheriff's Department are investigating a Homicide that occurred on February 10, 2007. A shooting occurred at the Spritz Bar and Grill at 4905 Golden State Blvd, just outside of Turlock. Anthony Taylor II was shot in the parking lot of the business by an unknown suspects. The suspects are described as several black males in a dark blue GMC Yukon.


HOMICIDE             

On 08/12/2005 the body of Victim RAMIRO, Sosa Jr. was found dead in the front  of  808 Glenn Av.  SOSA died of a single gunshot wound.  The responsible male was wearing dark clothing.  This is believed to be a gang related shooting.  Contact Crime Stoppers with any information on this murder you can remain anonymous and receive a reward for your information

HOMICIDE

Stanislaus Sheriff's Department are investigating the Homicide of Ninoos "Nick" Atoori that occurred on July 9, 2005.  ATOORI went to the parking lot of the Whanga Rei bar (now closed) around 3:30am.  He met up with three other subjects.  During this meeting, the victim was shot once by one of the subjects, and the three fled the scene. 


 

HOMICIDE

Stanislaus Sheriff's Department are investigating the Homicide of Victim Lloyd Borelli pictured here.  On 06/02/2007 Borelli went to his girlfriend's hose at 4601 Yosemite Blvd accompanied by his girlfriend and her daughter. As he approached the residence he was shot by unidentified suspects, who then fled from the residence. 

 

Victim/Lloyd Borelli

 

 

 


HOMICIDE

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is asking for assistance in the murder of 19 year old GUSTAVO OROZCO (Pictured ).  GUSTAVO was murdered on June 1, 2009 shortly before 11:00pm. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of shots fired at the 4900 block of Empire Av, in Empire. Upon arrival two victims were located with gunshot wounds.  Both were taken to local hospitals, where OROZCO was pronounced dead. 

Sheriff’s Detective’s said both victims were at a taco truck in Empire when they were confronted by a group of subjects asking the victims about gang associations.  The victims attempted to leave when they were shot.  Sheriff’s Detectives know there are several witnesses to this crime and ask they come forward with any information they have. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers and their identity will remain anonymous.


HOMICIDE

 

Turlock Police are investigating a Homicide that occurred on 01-31-09, at about 20:57 hours.  2 subjects, Oscar Romo (pictured left) and Kelly Story(pictured right), were struck by a vehicle in the 600 block of Julian Street.  Kelly Story later died from his injuries.  Witnesses said the vehicle was occupied by two males.  The occupants of the vehicle have not been identified, and their identity is not known to Romo or the witnesses. 

 

 

The suspect vehicle was described as a dark blue or dark green sedan similar to a Dodge or Plymouth Neon.  The suspect vehicle will have front end damage resulting from the collision. This vehicle was observed driving at a high rate of speed in the immediate area at the time of the incident.  The occupants of the vehicle may have information critical to this investigation."

 

 


HOMICIDE

Victim: Pictured at left:  William Ashley

 

Stanislaus Sheriff's Department are investigating the homicide of

William Ashley pictured here.  On 12/14/2008 ASHLEY was found

shot to death in his west Modesto home. His two dogs were also

killed.  The Homicide occurred in the 1500 block of Victoria Drive.

 

 

 


HOMICIDE

Victim:  Charles Clem

 

On 4/2/08, Charles Clem, (4-27-50), was found murdered at his campsite on the Tuolumne River, next to Dryden Golf Course in Modesto.   Clem was homeless, using the campsite as his residence.  No suspects have been identified in his death.   

 

 

WITNESS SOUGHT: (Carolyn Sue STEAGALL) is being sought by Law Enforcement as a witness to the Homicide of Charles CLEM pictured above.  If you know her whereabouts please contact Crime Stoppers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


HOMICIDE

(Victim-Alejandro Rangel)

On Sunday, August 24, 2008, at approximately 1:53 A.M., three men were brought to a Modesto hospital for gunshot wounds.  Police later located a crime scene on Yosemite Boulevard, near Riverside Drive in the southeast part of Modesto. One of the men shot later died from his injuries.  The three men were driving in the area of Yosemite and Riverside drive when the car they were riding in was shot at.  All three men sustained gunshot wounds and eventually were able to drive to an area hospital.  If you have any information on this case please contact Crime Stoppers @ 209-521-4636.


 

HOMICIDE

 

On Friday 04/25/2008 approximately 10 pm a drive by shooting occurred in the 2000 block of Rock Pine Ct, Modesto.  A vehicle containing several subjects drove by the victim Valdemar ROJAS, 14 years and Juan ALMAZON, 15 years. Shots were fired from the vehicle striking both Victims.  ROJAS died as a result of his wounds later that evening.  Suspects in the vehicle were described as Hispanic males.  The Homicide appears to be gang related.  Any information callers can contact Det. Jon Evers @ 209-572-9534 or Crime Stoppers 521-4636 to remain anonymous.

 


HOMICIDE

On February 10, 2007 a shooting occurred at the Spritz Bar and Grill at 4905 Golden State Blvd,  just outside of Turlock.  Anthony Taylor II was shot in the parking lot of the business by an unknown suspects.  The suspects are described as several black males in a dark blue GMC Yukon.  Stanislaus S/O handling.


HOMICIDE

On Friday, 2/15/08, at 8:31 pm, 57 year-old Daniel ELLIS was in the parking lot of 1600 G Street when the suspect’s vehicle pulled out.  The driver (Suspect # 1) engaged in a physical altercation with ELLIS.  ELLIS collapsed and later died as a result of his injuries.  A passenger was present.  Witness described the passenger as a smaller version of Suspect # 1. The vehicle is a 2002 to 2006 Cadillac Escalade SUV with tinted windows and 24” to 26” rims on the tires.  Witness is unsure of the exact year of  the Escalade but states it’s prior to the body style change with the 2007 Escalade model. The vehicle was seen prior to the assault in the alley way of the 400 block of Burney Street.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTIONS:  Suspect #1:  Hispanic male/mid 20's, dark complexion, short dark hair (1/2 inch length) 5'11-6'00/215 to 220 lbs, round body type, no facial hair. Wearing a white sweatshirt.

 

2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade

tinted windows 24" to 26' rims.

 

VEHICLE RESEMBLING

SUSPECT'S VEHICLE

 

 


ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON5

On Friday, 3/15/08, at 1:19 am, 22-year-old Travis COLLADO (pictured far left) and his 27 year-old brother, Raymond COLLADO (pictured near left), were physically assaulted in the parking lot of Wachovia Bank located at 833 10th Street.  A large number of suspects, possibly 10 involved, attacked the brothers and their two friends in the parking lot as they were attempting to leave the area. Travis COLLADO was beaten to unconsciousness with a severe head wound.  Raymond also sustained injuries to his head.  Both were transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Modesto Police  Detectives are looking for any information regarding the attack on the two victim's. 


GUN BATTLE LEAVES ONE DEAD              

A gun battle in a southwest neighborhood leaves one dead and one injured. Several homes and vehicles were also hit by gunshots.

On Friday, September 30, 2005, shortly after midnight a Modesto Police Department Community Service Officer was towing a car in an alley in the southwest Modesto neighborhood when she heard several gunshots. Patrol officers were dispatched to check the area. When they arrived in the 100 block of Oak Street they located several people yelling at each other. While officers checked the area for possible victims, dispatch received a call from the 900 block of Madison Street requesting help for a gunshot victim. Officers on Oak Street also located a victim with a gunshot wound.

The first victim, from the Madison Street call, has been identified as James Hayes, 24 years old, from Modesto. He was taken to a local hospital were he was treated and released. The victim found on Oak Street has been identified as Kaivalya Earls, 18 years old, who recently moved to Modesto. He was taken to a local hospital were he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation leads detectives to believe there was a gun battle between subjects in front of 108 and 113 Oak Street. Multiple houses and vehicles were hit in the battle.

Investigators ask that anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or were in the area at the time of the incident, please contact Detective Ray Coyle of the Modesto Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit t at 572-9606.


 

HOMICIDE

Modesto Police are investigating a shooting that occurred  06/10/2007  in the  evening in the 200 block of Ruberto Street. 

At 5:15 pm callers to 9-1-1 reported shots being fired in the alley.  A 19-year-old female was in the backyard of her residence when she heard gun shots and was suddenly shot in the arm.  Her injuries are not life threatening.  A second victim, 22-year-old Ron Sok, was in the alley behind the residence at the time of the shooting.  Sok was also struck by the gunfire and was found lying in the alley by responding officers.  Sok was pronounced dead at the scene.  Both victims reside at the house on Ruberto Street 

Witnesses reported seeing a male running from the alley near the time of the shooting but only described the male as Asian or Latino.  Detectives have not determined a motive and have very little information about the shooting.   

 


HOMICIDE          

 

VICTIM:  Christopher Sisk

 

On Thursday May 3, 2007 at approximately 10pm a 31-year-old man, Christopher Sisk, was killed while trying to prevent a thief from stealing his truck.  The incident took place in the parking lot of Swaid’s Market located at 800 W. Hatch Road.

 

Witnesses said the victim, Christopher Sisk (pictured at left) of Crows Landing, was inside Swaid’s Market getting coffee.  Sisk is a tow truck driver for A&R Towing in Modesto and parked his tow truck in front of the market.  Suddenly, Sisk ran out of the market to confront a man who was in the driver’s seat of the truck attempting to steal it.  As Sisk tried to gain entry into the vehicle the suspect began to drive away.  Sisk tried to stay on the vehicle but was run over as the suspect fled the parking lot.  Sisk suffered major injuries to his head and chest.  He was transported by ambulance to Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto where he died from his injuries.  About 11:00 pm officers located the tow truck abandoned on Lombardy Street in Modesto. 

 (COMPOSITE OF SUSPECT)

Witnesses described the suspect as a black male in his early 20’s, about 6’00” tall, wearing dark clothing and a white bandana or t-shirt on his head.  It is not known if Sisk was working at the time of the incident.  Witnesses said he was a regular at the market.  Sisk’s family owns the towing business. 

 

Detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information regarding this crime to call Modesto Police Homicide Detective Jon Evers at (209) 572-9534.  Witnesses can also contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.  Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1000.00 through Crime Stoppers.

Costco Wholesale Corporation is also offering an additional reward of $20,000.00 in this case.

 


HOMICIDE

On 7/2/05 the victim, Jorge Perez Gonzalez (pictured at left), was found deceased in his vehicle in Turlock.  Gonzalez had left the day before to run errands and it is believed he was with a friend called "Primo." It is likely that Gonzalez and "Primo" were victims of a robbery.

If you have any information concerning the events or the location of "Primo," please contact Detective Ravaglioli at the Turlock Police Department or confidentially at Crime Stoppers.


HOMICIDE

On 7/8/2007 at approximately 2:00 AM a fight broke out involving gang members in the 3000 Block of 10th Street in Ceres. 

At one point during the fight several shots were fired striking and killing 18 year old Michael Ilttreb (pictured at left).

Detective Johnson from the Ceres Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact him at 209 538 5729.  You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously and leave any information you have on the case, or go to the website to leave a secured tip.


HOMICIDE

On 7/5/06, between midnight and 3:00 AM, the Victim, Joseph Ross, (pictured at left) was walking home from the Dugout bar (108 North Yosemite Ave-Oakdale) to his home on the far west side of Oakdale. Sometime during his walk home, he was confronted in the 500 block of West "F" St. by an unknown assailant and fatally stabbed.

Residents found Joseph on the morning of July 5, 2006 at 522 West "F" St. The investigation into his murder is on going.  Detectives are asking for witnesses to come forward with any information.

Contact Detective Dan Taylor or Sgt. Julio Rosa @ Oakdale Police, 209-847-2233 or person(s) with information may call Crime Stoppers anonymously @ 209-521-4636 (24) hours a day. Tips can also be left on the Crime Stoppers secure TIPS PAGE.


 

 

HOMICIDE            

VICTIM:  Jaime Garcia

Sheriff’s Detectives are asking the public's help in locating suspects of a drive-by shooting that killed 31-year-old JAIME GARCIA of Modesto.

At 8:10 PM March 22, 2007, GARCIA was walking on Rutherford Street and Inyo Ave when a white 4-door vehicle approached him on Rutherford Street.  As the vehicle approached GARCIA, someone from inside the vehicle fired several shots hitting GARCIA.  The vehicle then drove away westbound Inyo Ave.  GARCIA was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. GARCIA was the father of six children and was walking to the store to buy diapers when the shooting occurred.  Detectives say that the shooting is possibly gang related.



HOMICIDE                                                                                                                                                    

Suspect Description: Only description is a vehicle with a loud muffler.

On June 8, 2005 the victim PAUL BARAZZA (pictured left) was walking with a friend in the 800 blk of Sonora Ave (S. Modesto) when a vehicle with a loud muffler approached them.

An argument took place between the people in the vehicle and the two walking. Someone in the vehicle then shot at the two people on the street, hitting the victim and killing him.


HOMICIDE 

On July 1, 1993 at about 2:00am the victim Thomas Kealanui Leimbach (pictured) was found shot to death at Stoddard and Technology Dr. in Modesto, CA. 

The area where the victim was located was a new business park which was being developed.  Leimbach was last seen around midnight, July 1, 1993 when he left his best friends residence.  He was suppose to go to a store and return.  

An additional reward is offered by the Governor's Office for $50,000.00 leading to the arrest & conviction of those persons responsible.

FATAL HIT AND RUN    

On August 2, 2005, Sabrina Ordaz died at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, a day after a hit-and-run driver struck her on Orangeburg Avenue near Sutter Park.  Sabrina had just graduated in June from Davis High School.

Sabrina was going to start Modesto Junior College to study orthopedics on August 30th, the same day a press conference was held at Modesto Police to offer a reward for the person who hit her.

The vehicle that hit Sabrina is believed to be a white, '90s Toyota pickup with an extended cab. The right front end should have damage.  The truck's headlight broke at the scene.


HOMICIDE                                                               

On July 16, 1975 the body of 17-year-old Donna Joann Peeples was found in a grape vineyard near Maze Boulevard and Dakota Avenue in West Modesto. It was believed that Donna was killed elsewhere and her body dumped in the vineyard.

Donna had spent the day before her death with friends, driving around with friends who had later been interviewed by detectives. Donna had told friends that she had a date with “Lex” later that day and Donna was never seen alive again.
Donna Peeples was married at the time of her death but was separated from her husband, Leonard Peeples, and was living with her parents with her 7-month old daughter.


HOMICIDE

VICTIM: DAVID HOOTEN                       

The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department is investigating the  shooting death of David Allen Hooten that occurred on 06/18/1999 at approximately 9:20 p.m. on the corner of E. Zeering Rd. and Elm Avenue in Denair, CA.  The suspect vehicle is described as a dark colored older vehicle with 3 subjects inside.

HOMICIDE                     

On January 14, 1998 Deputies found the nude body of Kathy Irene Sweet (pictured at left) in a blue Mazda pickup in an orchard in the 3900 block of Coffee Rd., Modesto. She was found in her boyfriend's pickup.
The boyfriend was interviewed and questioned & passed a polygraph test. No suspects were developed. The victim's death still remains a mystery to Detectives. (Photo taken in 1996) 

HOMICIDE                                                           

On 11/04/98, Ruben Plascencia (at left), 24-year-old Hispanic male, left his house saying he was going out with friends.   He lived with his girlfriend and their infant child in Newman.  The victim worked and lived on a dairy.  He was never seen alive again. 

His girlfriend reported him missing on 11/10/98 to Newman PD. The victim left his house in a Ford Astro Van. The van was later recovered by CHP on the 11/13/03 at Hickory near Fig near a locked gate near Patterson.  Plascencia was found dead in a vacant barn on 11/14/98.  

The family was notified and responded to the scene . The family checked the area including a barn, which was about ½ mile away on the same road. The victim was found in the barn shot to death. No suspects were ever arrested regarding this investigation and all leads have been exhausted.

The day after Plascencia left in his Astro van and several days later a white male adult was seen driving the victim's van in the area where his body was recovered. No leads developed as to the identity of the person driving the victim's van

 

A composite sketch 
of the possible suspect. 

 


 

HOMICIDE

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is asking for assistance in the murder of 19 year old GUSTAVO OROZCO (Pictured ).  GUSTAVO was murdered on June 1, 2009 shortly before 11:00pm. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of shots fired at the 4900 block of Empire Av, in Empire. Upon arrival two victims were located with gunshot wounds.  Both were taken to local hospitals, where OROZCO was pronounced dead. 

Sheriff’s Detective’s said both victims were at a taco truck in Empire when they were confronted by a group of subjects asking the victims about gang associations.  The victims attempted to leave when they were shot.  Sheriff’s Detectives know there are several witnesses to this crime and ask they come forward with any information they have. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers and their identity will remain anonymous.


HOMICIDE                       

Victim:  Katherine Velthoen 

The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department is investigating the Homicide of Victim Katherine Velthoen that occurred on June 25, 1999 at approximately 1:00am on southbound Highway 99 at Taylor Road in Turlock, CA.  The suspects vehicle is described as tan, mid-to-late 1980's boxy-looking vehicle.     

                                            

Possible suspect (left) and suspect vehicle type     

 

             


HOMICIDE                                                 

On 07/20/2005 approximately 8:20pm the body of Victim JOHANNA ALENE WALLS (pictured) was found in an orchard on California Avenue east of Stone Av.  She was last seen alive about noon on 07/20/2005 in the 1400 block of Garden Av.  Walls was wearing a white blouse, blue jeans, green flip-flop sandals and sunglasses. 


 


HOMICIDE                   

On July 4th 1999, Jonique Williams was murdered.  Her body was found at the bottom of the pool at 1636 Hialeah Drive, Modesto. She had been attending a large Independence Day party at the residence with her family, who at the time resided in the Bay Area.

Modesto Police Department personnel carefully checked the pool and residence numerous times during the Investigation. At no time were they able to locate the Victim, Jonique Williams, in the pool or the residence. On July 5th, 1999 at approximately 6:00 pm Jonique Williams body was found at the bottom of the pool at the Hialeah Drive address.

On July 6th, 1999 an autopsy was performed on Jonique Williams.  The Pathologist concluded that Williams death was as a result of a Homicide.

Detective Denis Holmes, Modesto Police Cold Case Investigator commented, "It's a shame that we have been unable to find the killer (s) of this innocent 4 year old.  I believe someone very close to Jonique has information regarding the Homicide.  They must share this information with the Police before justice can be achieved for Jonique."


HOMICIDE             

On 5-17-1993 at about 6:30 pm, Tigan Bonton and James Brown were rolling dice behind the King Kennedy Center at Mellis Park with several other males.  Bonton and Brown were the only participants not from Modesto.  Brown began winning much of the money.  Brown and Bonton began verbally disrespecting the other participants.  Brown was shot three times at close range.  Bonton was shot once while trying to help Brown into their car.  Three suspects used three different handguns.  A fourth suspect pulled Brown and Bonton from the car and fled.  Brown and Bonton died in the parking lot. 

There is a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects in this case.  If you have information,  please call 209-521-INFO (4636) or e-mail our on-line tip center.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE 

PERSON OF INTEREST

Artermio Abazan DIAZ AKA "Cuatemo"  

Date of birth 07-10-1973
5'4", 150 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes
Scars on right hand, tattoo on left leg -  unknown
Originally from Michoacan, Mexico.
On 10-23-1996, Myra Prado was found dead inside a residence from a gunshot wound to the head.  She had been dead for 3-4 days.  The last person to see her alive was her boyfriend, Artermio Diaz.

After the homicide, Diaz fled to Long Beach, CA and told someone that he had killed his girlfriend in Modesto.  Diaz had blood on his shirt when he was seen in Long Beach.  He has not been seen since. 

Modesto Police have never been able to talk to Diaz about the death of Prado.  He has not been seen since. If you know if Diaz's whereabouts, please contact Modesto Crime Stoppers at 209-521-INFO(4636).


SUSPICIOUS DEATH                                              

On 12-11-1991, Mary Bolei (white female, date of birth 7-24-1941) went to the residence of her business partner, Alfred Rice (white male, date of birth 6-20-1931) at 1101 Springfield Drive.  Mary had some concerns about their business partnership.  According to Rice, they had a meeting that day from 1:15 pm until about 2:15 pm, and he told police later that he had been able to alleviate all of her concerns.  Rice says he left his house but Mary stayed there alone.

Rice said when he returned to his residence, he found her truck still parked in his driveway, but could not locate Mary.  Ten to twenty minutes later, Rice saw Mary floating face down in the pool.

This case has been classified as a suspicious death.  If you have information about Mary Bolei or Alfred Rice that may solve this case, please call 209-521-INFO (4636) or
e-mail our on-line tip center.