Photo: Alan Gustavo Mendez and Bridy Juyletzi Cruz Arzate
The morning of February 1st of 2019, Madera County Sheriff deputies were called out to an abandoned house on the 21000 block of Avenue 9.
The body of a deceased male was found inside. The man, later identified as 30-year old South Gate resident Sergio Lopez, had visible physical trauma indicating his death was a homicide.
Detectives and CSI technicians evaluated the scene and collected evidence.
Lopez’s car was tracked to a tow yard in Fresno County where CHP had it impounded believing the vehicle had been abandoned. Madera County Detectives examined the car for evidence which was later processed resulting in a possible suspect and accomplice.
On July 30th, while not yet in custody, the Madera County District Attorney’s Office charged 25-year old Caruthers resident Alan Gustavo Mendez with murder in the first degree.
Caruthers resident, 22-year old Bridy Juletzi Cruz Arzate, was charged with accessory to murder. The pair was arrested on August 15th Both remain in custody at the Madera County Department of Corrections as of 08/22/2019.
Photos from Madera County Department of Corrections
