A Los Angeles County man has been convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend in southern San Diego County, though her whereabouts remain a mystery and law enforcement officials sought the public’s help Friday in locating her body.
Eduardo Magana, 48, of La Puente, was convicted by a Chula Vista jury of second-degree murder for the slaying of 33-year-old Alexis Berenice Guadarrama Orozco.
Prosecutors say Guadarrama Orozco met with Magana at the Star Motel in Otay Mesa on July 15, after which all communication between her and her loved ones ceased.
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Magana was “later seen placing a large, heavy object in the trunk of his car in the early morning hours of July 16,” according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
He was arrested three days later in Los Angeles County and following his conviction, he now faces a state prison sentence of 15 years to life. Magana is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said, “While this killer is being held accountable for his crime and justice is being delivered, Alexis Berenice’s family and friends also deserve the closure of knowing her remains can be laid to rest.”
District Attorney Stephan added that this case should serve as a warning that hiding a victim’s body will not prevent justice from being sought.
NBC 7 spoke with Isabel Cisneros Orozco, Guadarrama Orozco’s sister, on Friday.
“I want to know where she is because she doesn’t deserve to be left abandoned anywhere,” Isabel said.
The victim’s family has been reaching out on social media, hanging flyers and with digging tools searched in several remote areas. The San Diego Police Department says investigators have searched San Diego, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Still no sign of Guadarrama Orozco.
“With the conviction of the defendant, we’re hopeful anyone with information about her whereabouts will come forward,” Isabel said.
“It’s very hard for me that this person doesn’t want to talk. If he’s already done the damage he did, at least he could give us the peace of knowing where she is,” Isabel added.
Until Guadarrama Orozco is found, family and friends say they aren’t giving up on the possibility, however slight, that she is still alive. If she is dead, they want to give her a proper burial, lay her memory to rest, and allow themselves some peace of mind.
Anyone with information was asked to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477. Information on sending web or mobile app tips can be found at www.sdcrimestoppers.org.
Source: NBC Los Angeles