The Missing Persons Case of Jose "Che" Dominguez in Stockton, CA

by Jessica

On Sunday, August 2, 1981, 16 year old Jose Dominguez left his home in Stockton to meet up with friends to play ball at Stribley Park. He never returned home.  

Jose "Che" Dominguez via the Record

Stribley Park is a large park in south east Stockton between State Hwy 4 (Cross Town Fwy) and East Charter Way. The park has a lot of open space, a community center and several baseball fields. It's also just a short distance from the BNSF railroad tracks and an industrial area with several large businesses. 

Location of Stribley Park via Google Maps

Stribley Park as seen from above via Google Maps

At the time of his disappearance Dominguez, who went by Che to those who knew him, was a student at Franklin High School where he played trumpet in the school band and he was also on the wrestling team. Initially, it was believed that Dominguez was a run away and San Joaquin County Sheriffs received possible tips from both family and the public who reported seeing him. Unfortunately, none of the tips panned out and his family never heard from him again, even during times of the year like holidays. Investigators and his family believed this was unusual and led to the conclusion that he may have met with foul play.

Though police believed it was possible he was run away a search was done at the time of the area around Dominguez' home and the area of Stribley Park. Nothing was found. Over the years this case received little public attention, and any specific information that police have has not been made public. However investigators did continue to work this case.

When he went missing Dominguez was wearing gray corduroy pants, a black t-shirt with a cancer symbol from the zodiac and the name "Che," and gray tennis shoes. At the time of his disappearance he was described by the FBI as a white or hispanic male, with black hair and brown eyes. He was approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and 116 pounds. 

Dominguez via the FBI

In 1989, an arrest in this case was made but charges were dropped when a witness recanted their statement. Since that time Dominguez's disappearance has remained unsolved.

While this case is associated with Stockton it is the San Joaquin County Sheriffs who are responsible for carrying out the investigation. In 2018, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow ran for office and one of the things he talked about was the creation of a dedicated cold case unit. In 2020, that wish became a reality and two "...seasoned detectives" were tasked with heading up the unit. According to KCRA 3, Detective Sgt. Linda Jiminez and Detective Irene Shelvey were chosen and they were working on approximately 200 unsolved homicides and 150 missing persons cases. One of those cases was that of Jose Dominguez. 

In 2021, during a press conference held by the San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, it was stated that new information led the cold case unit to search "areas of interest" in eastern parts of San Joaquin County in regards to this case. At that time police found partial skeletal remains. San Joaquin County Sheriffs are reportedly testing for DNA. While it was stated that DNA tests would take a few weeks no other information is publicly available in regards to the remains that were collected. 

It has been over 40 years since Jose "Che" Dominguez went missing from Stockton. His loved ones have never stopped hoping answers would finally come in this terrible case. In a 2020 interview with Fox 40 his sister Corina Garcia told reporters that what she wanted for her brother was: "To put him to rest, you know. To let him have peace." 

If you have any information in the disappearance of Jose "Che" Dominguez it's imperative that you contact the San Joaquin Sheriffs Cold Case Unit at 209-468-5087 or you can send a tip by email at coldcase@sjgov.org. You can also contact the FBI with a tip using the information in the flyer below. If you would like to remain anonymous please send a tip through Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600.

Stockton Crime Stoppers is offering $10,000 for information in this missing persons case and the FBI is also offering $5,000 for the same. 

For more information in this case:

Rocha, Angelydet. "Partial human remains recovered in connection with Jose "Che" Dominguez's 1981 disappearance." The Record, 23 Dec 2021, https://tinyurl.com/bdhb2tae.

Macht, Daniel. "Stockton teen Jose "Che" Dominguez vanished 40 years ago. DNA testing on newly found remains is underway." KCRA3, 23 Dec 2021, https://www.kcra.com/article/stockton-teen-jose-che-dominguez-vanished-40-years-ago-cold-case-investigators-have-an-update/38603360.

Miller, Hope. "New Cold Case Unit Created in San Joaquin County." KCRA3, 24 Feb 2020, https://www.kcra.com/article/new-cold-case-unit-san-joaquin-county/31084169.

Recede, Kay. "San Joaquin County family still holding out hope for missing brother nearly forty years later." Fox 40, 10 Jan 2020, https://fox40.com/news/local-news/san-joaquin-county-family-still-holding-out-hope-for-missing-brother-nearly-40-years-later/.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff Office. San Joaquin County Sheriff gives update on Jose "Che" Dominguez disappearance. 23 Dec 2021, found on KCRA3 channel on Facebook.

FBI Kidnapping/Missing Persons Cases: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/jose-esuaro-che-dominguez.

Murders of Patrick Garza and April Weber in Stockton, CA

 By Jessica

Patrick Joseph Garza and his girlfriend, April Leann Weber were barely into adulthood when the two of them were murdered in Stockton, CA. Investigators believe the couple were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time when gang violence spilled over and changed the lives for them and their loves ones.

Map or Area near Quik Stop on Fremont Street in Stockton, via Google Maps

 On the night of September 3, 2002, Garza and Weber were in the parking lot of the Quik Stop at 2285 E. Fremont Street using the pay phone when a witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing two men running towards a vehicle. The car they ran towards and left the scene in was described as dark and parked near a closed veterinary clinic. Surveillance footage from the night also showed two men but unfortunately, their faces were not clear. The Stockton Record reported that there were half a dozen shots fired.

Pic of Quik Stop in 2002 via ABC10 from Stockton Police

It was also reported that the Quik Stop parking lot was known as a dangerous place and for its connection to the drug trade. While another crime in the area would be believed to be connected due to ballistic evidence this crime would grow cold over the years. Investigators however, would not give up trying to solve the murder of Patrick Garza and April Weber believing that someone who holds important information would hopefully come forward. And in recent years another piece of crucial evidence is being looked at.

In the parking lot after the murders a cold beer bottle was found in a parking spot. Believing this bottle could be the key to finding whoever was in the parking lot with the victims, DNA was run and a match was found. While this evidence is still in the preliminary stages and hasn't provided enough for an arrest warrant it is still a key piece to the puzzle of this case. Investigators have not released the name of the DNA match to the public but continue to follow the evidence. 

Pic of beer bottle found at scene in 2002 via ABC10 from Stockton Police

Patrick Garza was 21 years old and described by his family as an artist who loved to draw, listen to music and camping trips at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. 

April Weber was 20 years old and left behind her mother and a child from a previous relationship.

Both Garza and Weber left behind loved ones and everyone involved deserve closure in this terrible crime.

If you have any information about this crime please contact Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600 or online at stocktoncrimestoppers.com.

For more information about this crime: 

Firpo, Eric. "Police Turn to Public for Help in Solving Double Slaying." The Record, Sept 6, 2002. 

Wade, Madison. "Stockon police say they are close to finding out who killed April Weber and Patrick Garza/Unsolved California." ABC 10, March 19, 2021.

Needles Jane Doe

  by Jessica

Researching murder cases means reading stacks of newspapers throughout California. One of the things that far too many cases we've covered, read about or heard about, have in common are victims left on the sides of roads. In article after article the term "dumped" is often used to describe the state of the victim and the place where they were found. It's a term I hate.

Using the word "dumped" feels dehumanizing and I've tried many times to find an alternative way of discussing these cases. The problem: the term is accurate and this is why it's gross. Whoever made the decision to take a life, whether it be stranger or loved one, chose to leave that human being on the side of the road, like trash. 

It's a term that should bother me because it sums up the crime in question perfectly. The humanity of these victims was never a first priority to their murderers. That's the case whether we're talking victims like Idema Cerney, Marcy Conrad, Gwen Araujo or in our recently covered cold case: The Needles Jane Doe. 

Sketch of Needles Jane Doe via The Doe Network

On May 14, 1991, an unidentified person was found deceased in the Mojave Desert alongside Interstate 40 about 30 miles west of Needles, CA.

Location of Needles, CA via Google Maps

Needles, CA is a small city in San Bernardino County in the southern part of California. According to the United States Census Bureau it had approximately 4,959 people living there in 2020. This small town also sits very close to the Arizona border and on both Route 66 and Interstate 40.

Interstate 40 where the victim was found is a major interstate highway that runs through the southern portion of the United States connecting the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. Interstate-40 is a very busy road and according to the Truck Driver Academy it's one of the busiest interstates in the US for commercial truck traffic. 

All of this means that the Needles Jane Doe could be from anywhere in the United States. 

Map of Interstate-40 via Google Maps

In 1991, when the victim was found it was determined that she had been deceased for several days and her body was described as "decomposed" by the Doe Network. According to the Weather Underground, the average temperature in May of 1991 was 87 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius. This would've contributed to decomposition making narrowing down her exact date of murder difficult. While there isn't an official cause of death investigators believe she died from a homicide. 

The victim's identity is still unknown but according to the Doe Network they were biologically female, between the ages of 24-45 years old, white, five feet four inches tall, approximately 148 pounds with brown hair. Their eye color was unknown.  

There wasn't any identification found with the victim but they were wearing a pink tank top with a picture of a cactus and sunflower on the front, pink knee length leggings with lace fringe and white socks. She was also wearing a yellow metal gold chain. 

Clothes found with Needles Jane Doe via The Doe Network

While there is little known about this victim including who murdered them and callously "dumped" their body on the side of the road, I'm hopeful the details shared by the San Bernardino Sheriff's Office and the Doe Network can finally give this victim back their name. Adding to that hope is that there are DNA, fingerprints and dental records available in this case. 

If you have any information about the Needles Jane Doe please contact the San Bernardino Sheriffs at 909-387-3589. You can also make an anonymous tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

For more information: 

San Bernardino Sheriff's County: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/07/Doe-Jane.pdf

The Doe Network: https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/101ufca.html

NamUS: https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/UP2554

Truck Driving Academy: https://www.truckdriveracademy.com/busiest-interstates-for-trucks/

Weather Underground: https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/UP2554

Unsolved: The Murder of Francis De Alvis

 by Jessica

Investigators believe that time is running out on finding out who murdered Francis De Alvis in Monterey, CA in 1984. Similar to many cold cases, every day that passes, the ability to hold someone responsible becomes more difficult. Depending on the age of the unknown perpetrator(s), it may already be impossible to make an arrest and proceed to trial. 

In spite of this obstacle, De Alvis and all of the other victims in cold cases, matter. If nothing else can be done in these cases, then the truth will have to suffice. Finding the truth means evidence will need to be tested and most importantly, people need to come forward and talk to investigators. Someone out there knows what happened to De Alvis, or has a piece of a puzzle they didn't even know they had. But if they aren't reminded of the man, who lost his life in a possible robbery, then that piece will slip away.

Francis De Alvis, via City of Monterey

On August 18 1984, Francis De Alvis was murdered in his apartment at 843 Hawthorne Street in Monterey, CA. De Alvis was 58 years old at the time and living alone. His family contacted police when they couldn't get in contact with him. He was stabbed multiple times and his apartment was ransacked. 

Apartments at 843 Hawthorne Street, via google maps

Investigators believe that De Alvis knew his murderer and that at least one thing was taken from the apartment. 

De Alvis was born in Rangoon, Burma and was a respected teacher who earned his bachelor's and masters degree from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He taught at Echo Valley Elementary school in Prunedale, CA just 22 miles north of Monterey for 16 years. He also taught in the Burmese Department at the Defense Language Institute. 

While this crime occurred 37 years ago, investigators and De Alvis' family are still looking for answers. If you have any information about Francis De Alvis' murder please call the Monterey County Investigations Division at 831-646-3814.

For More Information: 

https://www.montereyherald.com/2010/10/27/the-need-for-closure-woman-seeks-answers-in-brothers-84-slaying/

https://www.monterey.org/city_hall/police/unsolved_homicides.php

The Unsolved Murder of Diana Moffitt in El Cajon, CA

by Jessica

In the 1980's a series of murders occurred in the area of San Diego along Interstate-8 that, at the time, police believed could be committed by one or more serial killers. The victims were mainly sex workers who worked along El Cajon Blvd, in San Diego. Their bodies were found in rural areas and culverts on the side of the roads in the area. 

The Sacramento Bee, 8/15/1988 via newspapers.com

According to a 1988 article, titled "Green River Killer in San Diego?" in the Sacramento Bee, the police were looking at 25 unsolved murders of women in the area and even considered the possibility that the Green River Killer, a serial killer named Gary Ridgway, may have been responsible. The murders took place between 1985-1988 and many of those murders remain unsolved today. To add to their suspicion was the fact that the victims were all women who police believe were sex workers or transients. 

A task force was created to aid in solving the cases in San Diego and 8 cases in particular were put together as victims possibly murdered by the same person. The victims in these cases were all women found murdered very near Interstate 8 in East San Diego County and all on the side of the road. There doesn't seem to be hard evidence connecting all of the murders to a single perpetrator but they remain unsolved. It's important to note that several of the victims were found some time after they went missing so finding physical evidence may have been more difficult. One of those victims was a 20 year old named Diana Gail Moffitt. 

Diana Moffitt

Unfortunately, there is very little information on Diana Moffitt. She lived in Oregon and had only been in California a short time. During that time she was working as a sex worker and may have had connections with a man who was arrested in Oregon a few years after her murder. This man was convicted of "running a prostitution ring" that may have stretched from California to New Jersey. According to the Albany Democrat-Herald, a newspaper in Oregon, this man plead no contest in 1988 to "compelling prostitution" in a case involving Diana Moffitt in California, a year after her body was found.

The details of Diana Moffitt's murder come from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department website as there isn't a newspaper article covering the crime. In 1987, Diana Moffitt went missing in San Diego. The dates are unclear, but according to an article in the Sacramento Bee, a "male companion" had reported her missing. Then on October 9, 1987, her body was found near 9688 Blossom Valley Road, about 8 miles north-west of El Cajon, CA and only 2.8 miles from Interstate 8. 

Map of area where Diana Moffitt was found via Google Maps

This area of Southern California is only about 40 miles from the California-Mexico border and only 20 miles from a road in the North Park area of San Diego known as El Cajon Boulevard; and nicknamed the "Boulevard of Bad Dreams." This area in the 1980's was considered dangerous and crime-ridden. Among it's more common crimes is sex work and it's where the majority of arrests for prostitution in San Diego have taken place. Interestingly, anyone in this area would be close to both Interstate 15 and Interstate 8, where Diana's body was found, and where the other victims were found. 

Map from North Park to Blossom Valley Rd via Google Maps

The day Diana was found a road crew had been using a back hoe to clear a ditch of weeds when the men found her body covered by underbrush. She was decomposed and only partially clothed. Other details of her death are unknown. San Diego County Sheriff's need people to come forward and hope that with the passage of time anyone who has any information will be compelled to come forward. We've talked at length about how fear can keep witnesses from coming forward and time can prove to be the one thing someone needs to feel safe enough to speak out. Victims like Diana Moffitt, and all of those who loved her, deserve answers and those who carry that information with them have the ability to help answer questions, bring justice and lift the burdens of grief and confusion for those still waiting. 

In 1988, Diana's mother, Gayle Moffitt, became vice-president of a group in Portland called, Parents of Murdered Children. This group's goal was to provide support to those who had lost children and to help "...police, courts, and mental health professionals better understand the frustrations and struggles suffered by murdered victim's families." When Gayle first considered joining the organization she was concerned that they wouldn't understand or judge her because her daughter was a sex worker, a stigma long attached to ideas about pure victims. The organization not only embraced her but she would go on to become one of it's leaders.

According to her, "I felt there was a stigma attached to the prostitution. I kept thinking 'How would they understand?' Penny reassured me that it didn't matter. The thing that mattered was that I loved her."

It does not appear that there is a task force that has continued to look into the cases of murder along Interstate 8 or that anyone has been arrested for those crimes. Without more evidence it is difficult to narrow down who and how these women were murdered. It's entirely possible that each of the victims was murdered by a different person, a possible serial killer, or were even victims of a trafficking ring.

In 1988, Diana's mother told the newspaper she believed she knew who had hurt her child but did not use his name. What is known is that police need people to come forward with any information they have so they can finally find answers in Moffitt's case. If you have any information on this case please call the San Diego Sheriff's Department during business hours at 858-285-6330 or  it's Communication Center at 858-565-5200. You can also contact crime stoppers at 888-580-8477 or fill out their online tip form here: https://www.sdsheriff.net/coldcase/8768903/index.html

For anyone interested there is also a TV movie from 1993 called Moment of Truth: Why My Daughter? starring Linda Gray and Antonio Sabato Jr. that is about the murder of Diana Gail Moffitt. 

More Information:

Diana Gail Moffitt Cold Case, San Diego County Sheriff's Department Website: https://www.sdsheriff.net/coldcase/8768903/index.html

Cavanaugh, Maureen and Pat Finn. (Host). (2009, Oct 12) "El Cajon Boulevard: Boulevard of Bad Dreams."  KPBS News [Radio Report]. https://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/oct/12/el-cajon-boulevard-boulevard-bad-dreams/

"Parents of Murdered Children Gather." Albany Democrat Herald, 10 Aug 1992, via newspapers.com.

"Prison Inmate Linked to Prostitution Ring." Albany Democrat Herald, 08 Jan 1992, via newspapers.com.

Hecht, Peter. "Green River Killer in San Diego?" The Sacramento Bee, 15 Aug 1988, via newspapers.com.

"Prisoner Goes On Trial for Part in Prostitution." Albany Democrat Herald, 13 Feb 1992, via newspapers.com.

"Portland Man Convicted in N.J. Prostitution Case." Albany Democrat Herald, 27 Mar 1992, via newspapers.com.

Cold Case: The Disappearance of Pamela Pedro in Atwater, CA

by Jessica

There are many cases of missing people throughout the United States, the majority of which don't garner headlines or feature on the evening news. Worse, many of these cases don't have a wealth of information to aid law enforcement. In these cases, the smallest morsel of information could make a huge difference to loved ones and investigators. 

Pamela Pedro 

One of these cases happened in Atwater, CA when 17 year old Pamela Pedro went missing the morning of September 13, 1982. That Monday, Pamela, or Pam as her friends called her, was last seen before school outside of Atwater High School on the pay phone near the front office. It is unknown who she was speaking with and unclear what happened to Pamela afterwards. 

In 1982, Atwater High School was the only High School in the Central Valley town and Pamela was a senior and an advanced student who had plans to graduate early. Not only was she a good student but that dedication carried over to other talents. She had a black belt in karate and was a classical pianist.  

Atwater was a town of just over 17,000 people in the 1980's but was bordered by many smaller towns and rural areas. At the time it only had a single High School, Atwater High School, and it was about 3 miles from where Pamela lived with her family on Rainbow Lane. 

Map of Pedro home to Atwater High School via google maps

According to the Charley Project, on that Monday, her mother went to the school to pick her up at 1:30pm. When she arrived, Pamela was not waiting for her. She waited and then contacted the office asking them to make announcement looking for Pamela. She did not respond. At 4:30pm on this Monday, her family attempted to report their daughter missing to police. They were told that they needed to wait 24 hours before they could make a report. During that time Pamela was not found and evidence about what happened to her has not surfaced. 

Due to a lack of evidence, it's unclear how to classify Pamela Pedro's case. It's unknown if she decided to run away or if she met with foul play. What is known is that her family and loved ones miss her terribly and want to either find Pamela or information in her case. 

When Pamela went missing she was described as an Asian female of Filipino descent. She was 5 feet 1 inches in height and about 110 pounds. She was wearing blue corduroy pants, a pair of blue Nike sneakers and a blue and pink checkered shirt. Pamela wore glasses and at the time had braces. Some of her defining features included her black hair, dark brown eyes, a dimple on her left cheek and a small mole under her right eye. 

Pamela Pedro w/glasses via Charley Project

Since 1982, Pamela has not applied for a driver's license or used her social security card. 

Pamela Pedro Age Progression to Age 48

In 2012, a candlelight vigil was held at Atwater High School by students and family for Pamela Pedro. 

In September it will have been 38 years since Pamela Pedro was last seen in Atwater. Without evidence police have no way to continue searching for answers in her disappearance. In the ensuing years her father passed away never having answers. Her family and police continue to search for her. If you have any information about this case please call the Merced County Sheriff's Major Crime Unit at 209-385-7472. 

More Information:

Pamela Ann Pedro, The Charley Project: http://charleyproject.org/case/pamela-ann-pedro

"Candlelight Vigil for Missing Atwater High Teen Scheduled for Saturday." (2012 Sept 12). Merced Sun-Star: https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/article3270430.html.