Crime
DNA Hit Identifies Prime Suspect in 1993 Fresno Murder
A DNA hit has produced a prime suspect in the nearly 30-year-old murder of Bernice “Vi” Wright of Fresno.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Friday that it is trying to locate Manuel Aguilar Mendoza in connection with the homicide.
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Mendoza is believed to be about 49 years old. He is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. The sheriff’s office said that he’s known to travel between the United States and Mexico.
In addition, he uses these aliases: Miguel Mendoza, Miguel Barragan Aguilar, Manuel Purvandro Acosta, Miguel Costa, and Manuel Barragan.
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Wright’s attacker shot and stabbed her to death. Her unclothed body was discovered in a vineyard near Orange and Manning avenues in October 1993.
Bernice “Vi” Wright, 31, was found shot and stabbed to death in a vineyard in October 1993. (Fresno County SO)
Have a Tip in This Case?
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact cold case detective Sergio Toscano at (559) 600-8027 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Anyone providing a Crime Stoppers tip will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
