FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ) — A DNA sample collected from a murder victim nearly 30 years ago has identified her suspected killer.
The naked body of 31-year-old Bernice Wright, a.k.a. Vi, was discovered in a vineyard near Orange and Manning Avenues in Fresno County in October of 1993.
The cold case was reviewed in 2021 and a DNA hit found a possible match in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.
The individual was identified as Manuel Aguilar Mendoza, who is approximately 49 years old today.
Information on file shows him having two different birthdates of 8/20/73 and 2/20/75.
Mendoza also is known by several different names including Miguel Mendoza, Miguel Barragan, Aguilar, Manuel Purvandro Acosta, Miguel Costa, and Manuel Barragan.
He is described as a Hispanic man, 5’10”, 150 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mendoza, he is wanted for questioning for the murder of Bernice Wright.
He is known to travel to and from Mexico.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Cold Case Detective Sergio Toscano at (559) 600-8027.
You can also remain anonymous by calling Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You may be eligible for a cash reward.
