COLD CASES

Call 1-209-521-INFO (4636) or use the TIPS PAGE

if you have information regarding these crimes.

 

(Click on photos to enlarge)

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 

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 born prematurely with Russell-Silver syndrome, which is characterized by low birth weight and poor growth.  Because of this syndrome, she was less than four feet tall, originally causing Modesto Police to believe a small child had been hit.

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.

The Carole Sund-Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation, which assists families of crime victims, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.  If you have any information on the hit and run of Sabrina Ordaz, please call the tip line at 209-521-INFO (4636) or e-mail us a tip. You can remain anonymous.


                                                     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.


                                         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 ˝ 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                          

Victim:  Katherine Velthoen 

The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department is investigating the Homicide of Victim Katherine Veltheon 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 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

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                  

On 05/11/1992 at approximately 0553 hours Modesto Police responded to a report of a possible dead body near the Pavilion at Beard Brook Park.

On arrival Officers found the body of a white male later identified as Lloyd Long Jr, 26 years.  An autopsy determined the cause of death as a result of massive blunt force injuries to the head and neck area.

Several people came forward with possible leads, however, they did not provide the Police with any suspects or substantive leads.. Investigators said " We do know that Beard Brook Park was a known area of sexual and drug activity.  Possibly due to embarrassment, witnesses have not come forward.  However we are investigating the brutal murder of a 26 year old man. " Any information, even anonymously, may help solve this Murder."

If you have information please call Crime Stoppers @ 209-521-4636 (INFO).


                                                                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.

She was reported missing on Sunday July 4, 1999 at approximately 6:56PM.  According to witnesses she was last seen leaving the pool and inside the living room of the residence.

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.

July 4, 2006 will mark another year that Jonique's killer goes unpunished and free.

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."

Callers with information on the Homicide of Jonique Williams can contact Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day @521-4636(INFO).Callers identity will be kept confidential


                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.  


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.