Authorities have identified the victim of a tragic incident in Southern California where a young girl was found murdered and her body set on fire.
A missing child from Reno, Nevada, identified as Marcia Shirree Thomas, 14, has been found, as reported by the Irvine Police Department.
After extensive DNA testing and a lengthy investigation, authorities finally identified the victim of a murder that occurred 15 years ago.
In September 4, 2009, a young girl was enticed into a van by two brothers in Santa Ana – Zenaido Valdivia-Guzman and Gabino Valdivia-Guzman.
Zenaido was 23 years old at the time, while his older brother, Gabino, was 30. Gabino was behind the wheel of the van while Zenaido remained concealed in the backseat.
According to the police, panic ensued when Thomas found Zenaido sitting in the back of the van. A girl was forcefully taken to the back area and subjected to a violent assault on her face and neck, according to authorities. While the older brother kept driving, Zenaido attacked the girl.
According to authorities, Zenaido tragically took the life of the victim as she attempted to flee. Gabino arrived at a business complex located on the 1800 block of Kettering Street in Irvine. According to detectives, the girl’s body was found in the parking lot, where it was set on fire after being doused with gasoline by the brothers.
The brothers proceeded to steal the girl’s cell phone and quickly left the area.
Early the following day, the employees at the complex made a grim discovery when they found the girl’s lifeless body. Authorities and investigators swiftly arrived at the scene, diligently scouring for any potential leads on the individuals involved.
In November 5, 2010, more than a year after the tragic incident, Zenaido’s DNA was connected to the murder of the girl. This connection was made based on a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence that occurred in 2009.
The following day, he was found at a shopping center in Santa Ana and promptly apprehended. His older brother, Gabino, was present during the incident and was subsequently taken into custody.
In a significant development, Zenaido has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder and the special circumstance of murder in the commission of a kidnapping on November 15, 2022.
His brother, Gabino, will face trial at a later time as reported by KTLA.
“We have been dedicated to this case since 2009,” stated Police Chief Michael Kent of the Irvine Police Department. Our condolences go out to Marcia’s family as they navigate through this challenging period. We are grateful for the assistance of the agencies that have provided vital information to support the case and the family.
If you have any extra details regarding the case, please contact Detective John Sanders at 949-724-7233.
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