At the time, the victim was believed to be white or Hispanic, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds, and in her 30s. She was wearing a silver herringbone bracelet and black shoes, and investigators noted that she had experienced at least one pregnancy.
Despite multiple efforts — including a forensic reconstruction in 2003 and a DNA profile developed in 2008 — the woman’s identity remained a mystery.
The Role of Technology
In 2022, the Cold Case Unit in El Cajon joined forces with Othram and Parabon NanoLabs to reexamine the evidence using advanced DNA technology. Through Genetic Genealogy and phenotyping, researchers discovered the victim had likely familial connections to Michoacán de Ocampo, Mexico, and possibly relatives in the San Diego area.
A distant relative helped share the case in a Facebook group for people from Michoacán, leading a potential family member to come forward. DNA testing soon confirmed a match with the woman’s son, finally giving her a name after nearly 30 years.
Murder investigation Heats Up
While Alicia Ledezma Sanchez has finally been identified, investigators have not yet announced any suspects in her homicide. The El Cajon Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information to reach out to authorities.
