Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2010

Crime Stoppers films reenactment of Chowchilla homicide

Madera County Sheriff John Anderson called on CRIME STOPPERS for held in the investigation of a homicide that occurred in the Chowchilla area.

A film crew met with the Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer, Erica Stuart, Det. Nick Davis and Under Sheriff Frank Bernard last Thursday.

The "Almond Orchard Homicide" took the life of 55-year-old Fructuoso Jimenez, also known as Toucho, on Wednesday, May 26. He was found, shot to death, by ranch hands in an almond orchard owned by Triple S Farms off Road 14 and Avenue 21 1/2.

Anderson said the victim had been employed with the ranch for more than 20 years. Jimenez was last seen the morning of the murder at about 10 a.m.

Anderson is hoping that once the Crime Stoppers' video is released, someone might come forward with a tip so detectives can close the case.

The Crime Stoppers' video is expected to air the end of June on KSEE 24.

Sheriff Anderson urges anyone with information about the shooting death of Fructuoso Jimenez to call the Madera County Sheriff's Department at 675-7770 or CRIME STOPPERS at 498-STOP. One anonymous call to Crime Stoppers could be worth up to a $1,000.