KOLD News 13 live, local and late breaking-The Murder of Melinda Alma Gonzalez: Two Years Later

The Murder of Melinda Alma Gonzalez: Two Years Later

By Som Lisaius, KOLD News 13

Melinda Alma Gonzalez was the proud mother of a one-year-old boy and was also three months pregnant when she was murdered. Within a week, authorities identified and arrested their lead suspect. It seemed like an open and shut case. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

She was 20 years old and had absolutely everything to live for. That's how family members describe their beloved, Melinda Alma Gonzalez. With her first child Diego Ray, mother and son were inseparable. They traveled everywhere. That is until, February 20th, 2004 when someone drove Gonzalez to a desert area near Kinney Road and Gates Pass.

That's where she was murdered with a single shot to the head.

"It just will never be the same without her. Nothing makes sense without her."

For the last two years, her family has tried to come to terms with Melinda's death. But it hasn't been easy. Together, they're raising Melinda's son, doing everything they can to provide a life for him—without secrets and without pain.

But it's increasingly hard the older he gets. Especially when the person originally charged with killing his mother happens to be the little boy's father as well.

It's unclear how Gonzalez got up here that night or who she was with. Earlier that evening, she told her family she was going to the movies with her ex-boyfriend. That was around 9:30pm. She was found the next morning by hikers here in Gates Pass.

Within a week, Melinda's ex-boyfriend was arrested and charged with murder. They'd apparently been arguing over child support. Over the next six months, court proceedings continued. Investigators felt they had a solid case. But a grand jury said they didn't.

"Basically not enough evidence," the victim's sister, Veronica, says. "That's what we were told."

Two years later, Melinda's family continues their search for answers. They've organized billboards, fund-raisers and memorial rides. Basically everything they could to build awareness. Through her work, Veronica has learned firsthand of people who have information about this case. Though for whatever reason, they've been hesitant bringing that information to authorities.

"I would just ask them to come forward. They can remain anonymous. They have nothing to lose," she says. "This was a life, this was two lives that were lost, and my nephew has to go on without his mother for the rest of his life."

If you have any information, please call 911 or 88-CRIME. A reward up to one thousand dollars will go to the person whose tip leads to an arrest. Again, you can remain anonymous. It isn't who you are, it's what you know, that could help solve this case.