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Arrest in 1979 Murder of 8 Year–Old Fresno Girl

By Norma Yuriar

Fresno, Calif.  (KMPH News) - Thirty years after the kidnapping, murder and rape of an eight year old Fresno girl, police make an arrest in the death of Victoria Desantiago.

Investigators said solving the cold case wasn't easy, even with DNA.  Over the years, detectives tested the evidence three times, before finally finding a match in 59 year-old Fernando Caro.  Investigators say the suspect was living in Fresno and working in the city of Fowler at the time of the murder.

"I believe it was a crime of opportunity, he saw a chance to do something and he took it," Detective Carlos Leal said.

Joe and Angelina DeSantiago had been praying for justice for decades.

"My heart can not describe just how happy I feel, grateful for law enforcement for what they've done," Angelina DeSantiago said.

Her husband also praised investigators during Press Conference at Fresno Police Headquarters.

"I'm sure if it was someplace else it could have been easily brushed aside, but the team kept working on it," Joe DeSantiago said.

Their nightmare began on February 3, 1979 when their 8 year-old daughter Victoria and her 3 year-old sister Eva were both abducted near Belmont and First Street in Fresno.  The girls and their dog Bengi were on their way home from 7-11.

Eva was found safe hours later.  Victoria's nude body was discovered three days later at an irrigation canal east of Clovis.

"She was brutally sexually assaulted, prior to being beaten to death," Dyer said.

Chief Dyer said the little girl died in the hands of serial killer.

"We know that Fernando Caro has killed at least five children, perhaps even more," Dyer said.

The former chemical plant worker is serving a life sentence at San Quentin state prison for the 1980 murders of two Fowler teens.

During a recent visit to San Quentin, Cold Case Detective Carlos Leal performed a DNA swab test on Caro.  The results linked him to the DeSantiago case.

"It's amazing, the technology of today, hopefully we can continue to solve these cases and bring some peace to some families," Detective Leal said.

Investigators believe Caro is also responsible for two other murders, dating back to 1980 in the Bakersfield area.  Prosecutors plan to try both cases together to strengthen their push for capitol punishment.

"I know that this will never bring closure to the DeSantiago family," Chief Dyer said.  "But, I am hopeful that this will bring some form of justice."