Lodi's Unsolved Cold Cases and How You Can Help
Seeking Justice: Lodi's Unsolved Cold Cases and How You Can Help
Overview
The Lodi Police Department has launched an initiative spotlighting unsolved investigations in hopes of generating new leads from the public. San Joaquin County is grappling with more than 600 unsolved cold cases countywide — including homicides, missing persons cases, and sexual assaults.
"We encourage the public to follow our upcoming posts for details on each highlighted case. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and help us move these investigations forward." — Lodi Police Department
This article covers 18 unsolved Lodi homicide cases involving 19 victims, spanning 1967 to 2020. This includes one double homicide, one drive-by killing, one case with gang-enhancement charges, and one with a publicly named fugitive suspect. Each victim's family deserves answers. You may hold the key.
Cases in This Article — Click to Jump
- Stephen Smolinski — Oct. 18, 1967 (67-6633)
- Louis Withrow — Aug. 1, 1977 (77-8881)
- Caroline Schneider — Mar. 20, 1979 (79-3332)
- Vincente Nateras — May 16, 1989 (89-7914)
- Layton & Rogers — July 9, 2002 (02-8122) ★ Double
- Francisco Hernandez — June 26, 2005 (05-6620)
- Gary Lee Patterson — Aug. 26, 2006 (06-8976)
- Pedro Meza — Aug. 6, 2011 (11-6102)
- Shedley Frazier Jr. — Nov. 16, 2011 (11-8945) ★ Gang
- Tomas Flores — Sept. 13, 2014 (14-6384)
- Fidencio Godina — May 30, 2015 (15-3571)
- Joseph Mandolph — Dec. 16, 2015 (15-8821)
- Silvestre Guzman Bedolla — Jan. 24, 2016 (16-590) ★ Drive-by
- Rudolfo Cervantes — May 28, 2016 (16-3841)
- Ruben Rodriguez — May 11, 2018 (18-3032) ★ Named suspect
- Christina Cantu — Apr. 4, 2019 (19-1964)
- Robert Ramirez — June 14, 2020 (20-3336)
- Julian Gonzalez — June 14, 2020
Lodi Cold Cases: Years Unsolved (as of 2026)
▮ Purple = Double homicide | ▮ Red = Drive-by | ▮ Orange = Gang-linked | ▮ Dark Red = Named suspect at large | ▮ Blue = All other
Each bar represents years unsolved. Shorter bars are not less important — every victim deserves justice.
Why Your Tip Matters More Than You Think
Television crime dramas have conditioned us to believe that cold cases are cracked in labs — by a single hair follicle or a DNA match on a computer screen. The reality is very different.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences found that new witness testimony was the decisive factor in solving 63 percent of cleared cold cases — not DNA, not fingerprints, not forensic technology. DNA evidence contributed to only about 3 percent of resolutions.
Those new witnesses were often former friends, acquaintances, or family members of the perpetrators who came forward years — sometimes decades — after the crime.
By the Numbers: A RAND Corporation study funded by the National Institute of Justice found that only about 1 in 5 cold cases that are reopened are eventually cleared, and just 1 in 100 results in a conviction. Dedicated task forces and public engagement are among the most effective tools available.
Forensic genetic genealogy has helped identify 39 previously unknown suspects through the federal COLD Program since 2019. But as the NIJ concludes: "Without compelling reasons, especially evidence from new witnesses, reopening a cold case is often unwarranted."
The Cases
Stephen Joseph Smolinski — October 18, 1967
Case No. 67-6633 | Unsolved: 59 years | Det. Backman
On the morning of October 18, 1967, a Southern Pacific Railroad employee discovered the body of 63-year-old Stephen Joseph Smolinski near a tool shed beside the railroad tracks north of Locust Street in Lodi. Smolinski had been bludgeoned to death in his sleep.
According to Lodi News-Sentinel archives, Smolinski's face had been smashed beyond recognition with a slag-type rock, requiring identification through fingerprints. Then-Police Chief Emil Keszler stated: "It certainly wasn't robbery because the man had $1.26 on his body."
Possibly Related Incidents — October 1967
- Oct. 7, 1967 — An Acampo resident found beaten near Main & Pine streets; reported being jumped by a group of men.
- Oct. 23, 1967 — A 43-year-old transient hospitalized at Lodi Memorial after being jumped by two men in the north SP parking lot.
"We believe there are witnesses or family of those witnesses who have information about Smokinski's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 7, 1967 | Acampo resident found beaten near Main & Pine streets. |
| Oct. 18, 1967 | Body discovered by SP Railroad employee; identified via fingerprints. |
| Oct. 23, 1967 | Second transient beating victim hospitalized at Lodi Memorial. |
| Oct.–Nov. 1967 | LPD and railroad police investigate; no arrests made. |
| Jan. 7, 2025 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Mar. 9, 2026 | Case re-highlighted in LPD's cold case initiative. |
Louis Withrow — August 1, 1977
Case No. 77-8881 | Unsolved: 49 years | Det. Valeros
On August 1, 1977, Louis Withrow was found deceased in his hotel room at 17 ½ W. Elm Street, having suffered multiple stab wounds. During the investigation, officers contacted several hotel occupants, and no one reported hearing a struggle or seeing anything out of the ordinary.
The following day, the hotel manager called officers back and provided information on two possible suspects. A knife was seized and booked as possible evidence.
"We believe there may be witnesses or family of those witnesses who have information about Withrow's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
At this time, no arrests have been made and the motive for this homicide is still under investigation. The investigation is ongoing as a cold case.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 1, 1977 | Withrow found deceased in hotel room at 17 ½ W. Elm St.; multiple stab wounds. |
| Aug. 2, 1977 | Hotel manager provides information on two possible suspects; knife seized as evidence. |
| 1977–present | No arrests; motive unknown. Investigation ongoing. |
| Mar. 15, 2026 | Case highlighted in LPD's cold case initiative. |
Were you staying at or near the hotel at 17 ½ W. Elm Street in the summer of 1977? Contact Det. Valeros at (209) 269-4808 or Cvaleros@lodi.gov. Anonymous: Lodi Area Crime Stoppers at (209) 369-2746. Ref: 77-8881.
Caroline Schneider — March 20, 1979
Case No. 79-3332 | Unsolved: 47 years | Det. Valeros
On March 20, 1979, officers responded to Caroline Schneider's residence and found the 28-year-old deceased inside her home. Schneider had sustained several injuries to her head caused by blunt force trauma and had asphyxiation marks around her neck.
There were no signs of struggle or forced entry into her home — a detail that strongly suggests Schneider knew her attacker or willingly allowed them inside. The circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious. According to Find a Grave records, her full name was Caroline Kathryn "Carry" Schneider (1950–1979), and she is buried in Lodi.
Investigators believe witnesses to Schneider's death have yet to come forward. No arrests have been made in 47 years.
Key investigative note: The absence of forced entry and signs of struggle — combined with both blunt force trauma and asphyxiation — suggests the attacker was someone Schneider trusted enough to allow into her home. After 47 years, relationships and loyalties change. Someone may now be willing to share what they know.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mar. 20, 1979 | Schneider, 28, found deceased inside her residence; blunt force trauma to head, asphyxiation marks on neck. |
| Mar. 1979 | No forced entry or signs of struggle found at scene. |
| 1979–present | No arrests; motive unknown. Investigation ongoing. |
| Jan. 10, 2025 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Mar. 14, 2026 | Case re-highlighted in LPD's ongoing cold case initiative. |
Vincente Nateras — May 16, 1989
Case No. 89-7914 | Unsolved: 37 years | Det. Blythe
On May 16, 1989, Vincente Nateras was struck in the head in a violent assault that led to his death several days later despite receiving medical treatment.
Detectives have been in contact with the original reporting party, who does not appear to be involved in the incident. Investigators believe people in the community have knowledge of the circumstances but have not come forward. No arrests have been made in more than 37 years.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 16, 1989 | Nateras assaulted; suffers severe head injury. |
| Days later, May 1989 | Nateras dies from his injuries. |
| 1989–present | No arrests; motive unknown. Reporting party contacted and cleared. |
| Jan. 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Jan. 2025 | Case re-featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Timothie Layton & Danny Stewart Rogers DOUBLE HOMICIDE
Case No. 02-8122 | Unsolved: 24 years | Det. Blythe
In the early morning hours of July 9, 2002, Lodi Police discovered Timothie Layton, 20, and Danny Stewart Rogers, 48, deceased inside a car in the Walmart shopping center parking lot. Both men had been shot while asleep in the vehicle.
The killing of two men while they slept suggests the perpetrator had specific knowledge of both victims and their whereabouts. No arrests have been made in more than two decades.
Note: This is Lodi's only known active cold case involving a double homicide.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early morning, July 9, 2002 | Layton (20) and Rogers (48) found shot and deceased in car at Walmart parking lot. |
| 2002–present | No arrests; motive unknown. |
| Jan. 2025 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Were you at or near the Lodi Walmart on July 8–9, 2002? Contact Det. Blythe at (209) 269-5545. Anonymous: (209) 369-2746. Ref: 02-8122.
Francisco Hernandez — June 26, 2005
Case No. 05-6620 | Unsolved: 21 years | Det. Sanchez
On June 26, 2005, Francisco Hernandez was shot and killed outside Antonio's Mexican Restaurant in the 700 block of South Beckman Road. The shooting occurred outside an active restaurant, indicating potential witnesses were present.
"We believe there are witnesses to Hernandez's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2005 | Hernandez shot and killed outside Antonio's Mexican Restaurant. |
| 2005–present | No arrests; motive unknown. |
| Jan. 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Jan. 2025 | Case re-featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Were you at Antonio's on June 26, 2005? Contact Det. Sanchez at (209) 269-4828. Anonymous: (209) 369-2746. Ref: 05-6620.
Gary Lee Patterson — August 26, 2006
Case No. 06-8976 | Unsolved: 20 years | Det. Backman
In the early morning hours of August 26, 2006, Gary Lee Patterson, 31, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the courtyard of an apartment complex at the 400 block of West Lockeford Street. He died at Lodi Memorial Hospital.
Person of Interest — Anthony Randle: Arrested in Stockton on August 30, 2006 on unrelated warrants. Then-Chief Jerry J. Adams stated: "He is not named as a suspect in the case as yet, but is believed to be connected to it." No murder charges were ever filed.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 26, 2006 | Patterson found shot in apartment courtyard; dies at Lodi Memorial. |
| Aug. 30, 2006 | Anthony Randle arrested in Stockton; identified as person of interest. |
| 2006–present | No murder charges filed; investigation ongoing. |
| Mar. 9, 2026 | Case re-highlighted by LPD. |
Pedro Meza — August 6, 2011
Case No. 11-6102 | Unsolved: 15 years | Det. Blythe
On the evening of August 6, 2011, Pedro Meza was shot in the 500 block of East Elm Street. Life-saving efforts were attempted; however, Meza succumbed to his injuries.
Lodi PD believes witnesses have not yet come forward. No arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation.
"We believe there are witnesses to Meza's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Evening, Aug. 6, 2011 | Meza shot in the 500 block of E. Elm Street. |
| Aug. 2011 | Meza succumbs to his injuries. |
| 2011–present | No arrests; motive unknown. |
| Nov. 2022 | Case highlighted during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Were you on E. Elm Street the evening of Aug. 6, 2011? Contact Det. Blythe at (209) 269-5545. Ref: 11-6102.
Shedley Frazier Jr. — November 16, 2011 GANG ENHANCEMENTS
Case No. 11-8945 | Unsolved: 15 years | Det. Valeros
On November 16, 2011, Shedley Frazier Jr., 20, was found unresponsive in the roadway at Central Street and Pine Street in Lodi, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and he succumbed to his injuries.
Initial Investigation & Arrests
Unlike most of Lodi's cold cases, the Frazier investigation initially moved quickly:
- November 17, 2011 — Lodi SWAT served a search warrant and arrested a 14-year-old juvenile, who faced homicide charges with gang enhancements under California Penal Code § 186.22. The gang enhancement indicates detectives had immediate evidence the crime was committed for the benefit of or in association with a criminal street gang.
- November 17, 2011 — LPD simultaneously identified Jorge Rodriguez, 18, as a second suspect they were actively seeking.
- December 12, 2011 — LPD issued a formal arrest warrant for Jorge Rodriguez, publicly naming him as the person "responsible for the shooting death" of Frazier. Crime Stoppers offered up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest. The original investigating detective was Det. Garcia.
Why It's Now a Cold Case
Despite the early arrests and a named suspect, LPD now classifies this as an ongoing cold case — reassigned to Det. Valeros. Notably, LPD's current public description omits the standard phrase "no arrests have been made" that appears in virtually every other cold case, acknowledging the prior juvenile arrest. Several factors likely explain the cold case status:
- Jorge Rodriguez may never have been apprehended. The December 2011 warrant shows he was at large a month after the killing; no public record of his arrest in this case has surfaced.
- The juvenile case may have collapsed. Gang-enhanced homicide charges against a 14-year-old face significant legal hurdles in California's juvenile justice system.
- The investigation may have evolved — detectives may have determined the original suspects were not the actual shooters, or that additional suspects remain unidentified.
Gang Context
The Frazier killing occurred during a period of heightened gang activity in Lodi. In 2011–2012, the city was actively running the CalGRIP Program (California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention), specifically targeting Norteño and Sureño gangs. The shooting location — Central and Pine — falls in Lodi's central corridor, historically associated with gang territorial boundaries. The involvement of a 14-year-old and an 18-year-old acting together is consistent with gang dynamics.
About Shedley
Known as "Lee" in the Lodi community, Frazier was born December 22, 1990 in Sacramento to Fontella Dupree and Shedley Frazier Sr. His obituary describes him as "outgoing, friendly" and someone who "loved helping the youth." He loved basketball, video games, and making people laugh. Services were held December 6, 2011 at Hillard Chapel AME Zion Church in Stockton. Family members continue to post tributes — most recently in July 2025, nearly 14 years after his death.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 16, 2011 | Frazier, 20, found shot at Central & Pine streets; pronounced dead. |
| Nov. 17, 2011 | 14-year-old arrested via SWAT warrant; homicide with gang enhancements. Jorge Rodriguez, 18, identified as second suspect. |
| Dec. 12, 2011 | Formal arrest warrant issued for Jorge Rodriguez; publicly named as person "responsible for the shooting death." |
| 2011–present | Case reclassified as cold case. Reassigned from Det. Garcia to Det. Valeros. |
| Mar. 14, 2026 | Case re-highlighted on LPD Instagram as part of ongoing cold case initiative. |
Do you know the whereabouts of Jorge Rodriguez? Were you near Central & Pine streets on the evening of November 16, 2011? Shedley "Lee" Frazier was 20 years old. His family has waited 15 years. Contact Det. Valeros at (209) 269-4808 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (209) 369-2746. Ref: 11-8945.
Tomas Flores — September 13, 2014
Case No. 14-6384 | Unsolved: 12 years | Det. Sanchez
On September 13, 2014 at approximately 10:30 PM, officers responded to shots fired in the 500 block of Railroad Avenue. Tomas Flores, 20, was found fatally shot. An 18-year-old Hispanic male companion sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and survived.
Flores was walking with a friend near downtown Lodi when the shooting occurred. No arrests have been made.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept. 13, 2014, ~10:30 PM | Flores, 20, fatally shot on Railroad Ave.; companion also shot, survives. |
| 2014–present | No arrests; motive unknown. |
| Jan. 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Fidencio Godina — May 30, 2015
Case No. 15-3571 | Unsolved: 11 years | Det. Valeros
On May 30, 2015, officers heard gunshots and responded to the area of Lodi Avenue and Cherokee Lane. Fidencio Godina, 33, was found with gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries.
"We believe there are witnesses to Godina's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
At this time, no arrests have been made and the motive for this shooting is still under investigation. The investigation is ongoing and currently listed as a cold case.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2015 | Officers respond to gunshots at Lodi Ave. & Cherokee Lane; Godina (33) found with gunshot wounds; succumbs to injuries. |
| 2015–present | No arrests; motive unknown. Investigation ongoing. |
| Mar. 15, 2026 | Case highlighted in LPD's cold case initiative. |
Were you near Lodi Avenue and Cherokee Lane on May 30, 2015? Contact Det. Valeros at (209) 269-4808 or Cvaleros@lodi.gov. Anonymous: Lodi Area Crime Stoppers at (209) 369-2746. Ref: 15-3571.
Joseph Mandolph — December 16, 2015
Case No. 15-8821 | Unsolved: 11 years | Det. Backman
On December 16, 2015 at approximately 11:07 AM, Joseph Mandolph, 22, was sitting in his vehicle in an empty lot in the 600 block of Victor Road when he was shot by unknown suspects. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The daytime shooting — just after 11:00 AM on a Wednesday — suggests it was not a random act. No suspects have been identified.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 16, 2015, ~11:07 AM | Mandolph, 22, shot and killed in vehicle on Victor Road. |
| 2015–present | No arrests; no suspects; motive unknown. |
| Jan. 2025 | Featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Mar. 9, 2026 | Re-highlighted in LPD's cold case initiative. |
Silvestre Guzman Bedolla Jr. — January 24, 2016 DRIVE-BY
Case No. 16-590 | Unsolved: 10 years | Det. Blythe
In the afternoon of January 24, 2016, Silvestre Guzman Bedolla Jr., 19, was standing in his driveway in the 700 block of South Garfield Street when an SUV drove up and an occupant opened fire in a targeted drive-by attack. Bedolla succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:00 PM on a Sunday in a residential neighborhood. The suspect vehicle — an SUV — pulled up specifically to Bedolla's driveway, indicating the shooter knew the victim or his address. Bedolla is buried at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.
Why This Case May Be Solvable
- A Sunday afternoon in a residential neighborhood means neighbors were likely home.
- An SUV pulled up to a specific driveway — someone knows who was in that vehicle.
- A drive-by in a quiet residential block in broad daylight would have been memorable and unusual.
- Ten years have passed — people who were reluctant to speak in 2016 may now feel safer.
"We believe there are witnesses to Guzman Bedolla's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 17, 1996 | Silvestre Guzman Bedolla Jr. born in Lodi. |
| Jan. 24, 2016, ~2:00 PM | Bedolla, 19, shot by SUV occupant in his driveway. LPD announces investigation on Facebook. |
| 2016–present | No arrests; motive unknown. |
| Sept. 29, 2021 | LPD cold case appeal posted on Facebook. |
| Jan. 18, 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Jan. 12, 2025 | Case re-featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Mar. 13, 2026 | Case re-highlighted on LPD Instagram. |
Were you on S. Garfield Street the afternoon of Jan. 24, 2016? Did you see an SUV? Silvestre was 19. Contact Det. Blythe at (209) 269-5545 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 369-2746. Ref: 16-590.
Rudolfo "Rudy" Cervantes — May 28, 2016
Case No. 16-3841 | Unsolved: 10 years | Det. Sanchez
On the evening of May 28, 2016, Rudolfo "Rudy" Cervantes, 44, was found unconscious in the roadway at Vine Street and Central Street with a severe head injury. He succumbed to his injuries on May 30, 2016. The circumstances are suspicious.
"We believe there are witnesses to Rudy's death that have yet to come forward to the police." — Lodi Police Department
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Evening, May 28, 2016 | Cervantes found unconscious at Vine & Central with severe head injury. |
| May 30, 2016 | Cervantes, 44, succumbs to injuries. |
| 2016–present | Death ruled suspicious. No arrests. |
| Jan. 2025 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Ruben Rodriguez — May 11, 2018 NAMED SUSPECT AT LARGE
Case No. 18-3032 | Unsolved: 8 years | Det. Valeros
On May 11, 2018, Ruben Rodriguez, 31, was found in the 700 block of West Vine Street suffering from gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were attempted; however, Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries.
In April 2019, Lodi PD publicly identified Christian Orozco, 19, of Lodi as a suspect wanted in connection with Rodriguez's death. CBS Sacramento reported on the manhunt. As of March 2026, Orozco has not been publicly reported as apprehended.
Wanted Suspect: Christian Orozco — 19 years old at time of identification (April 2019). If you have information on Orozco's whereabouts, contact Det. Valeros immediately.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2018 | Rodriguez, 31, found shot at 700 block W. Vine Street; succumbs to injuries. |
| Apr. 15, 2019 | LPD publicly names Christian Orozco, 19, as wanted suspect; CBS Sacramento covers story. |
| 2018–present | Orozco not publicly reported as apprehended. Investigation ongoing. |
| Mar. 14, 2026 | Case re-highlighted in LPD's cold case initiative. |
Do you know the whereabouts of Christian Orozco? Were you near W. Vine Street on May 11, 2018? Contact Det. Valeros at (209) 269-4808 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 369-2746. Ref: 18-3032.
Christina Cantu — April 4, 2019
Case No. 19-1964 | Unsolved: 7 years | Det. Sanchez
On April 4, 2019 at approximately 10:40 AM, officers located Christina Cantu, 46, at Hale Park (209 Elm Street) with two gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The homicide likely occurred between midnight and 3:00 AM — hours before discovery. Cantu was a known transient; passersby may have thought she was sleeping. A homeless individual ultimately discovered her. Investigators believe a vehicle may have been involved.
Key detail: Christina lay in Hale Park for hours before being found. Anyone near the park between midnight and 10 AM on April 4, 2019 may have seen something critical.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Apr. 4, 2019, midnight–3 AM | Estimated time of homicide at or near Hale Park. |
| Apr. 4, 2019, ~10:40 AM | Cantu found with two gunshot wounds; pronounced deceased. |
| 2019–present | No suspects identified; possible vehicle involvement. |
| Nov. 2022 | CBS Sacramento covers cold case appeal. |
| Jan. 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Were you near Hale Park between midnight and 10 AM on April 4, 2019? Contact Det. Sanchez at (209) 269-4828. Anonymous: (209) 369-2746. Ref: 19-1964.
Robert Ramirez — June 14, 2020
Case No. 20-3336 | Unsolved: ~6 years | Det. Blythe
On June 14, 2020 at approximately 3:00 AM, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of South Washington Street. Robert Ramirez, 33, of Acampo, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but Ramirez was pronounced deceased on scene.
Officers canvassed for witnesses and detectives conducted video surveillance review. No suspect information has been developed.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2020, ~3:00 AM | Ramirez, 33, found shot at 100 block S. Washington St.; pronounced deceased. |
| June 2020 | Area canvassed; video surveillance reviewed. |
| Mar. 2021 | Community member publicly appeals on LPD Facebook. |
| Nov. 2022 | Case highlighted during LPD Cold Case Week. |
Julian Gonzalez — June 14, 2020
Unsolved: ~6 years | Det. Elias
Also on June 14, 2020 at approximately 3:00 AM, officers responded to the 100 block of South Washington Street and located Julian Gonzalez, 25, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The same date, time, and block as the Ramirez case — investigators have tracked both separately while examining whether the incidents are connected. No suspect information has been developed.
Investigator Contact: Detective Paul Elias — (209) 269-4839 / relias@lodi.gov
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2020, ~3:00 AM | Gonzalez, 25, found shot at 100 block S. Washington St.; pronounced dead. |
| June 2020 | Area canvassed; no suspect information released. |
| Jan. 2024 | Case featured during LPD Cold Case Week. |
| Jan. 2025 | Re-highlighted by 209 Unsolved Mysteries and LPD. |
San Joaquin County Cold Case Task Force
Lodi's cold case push coincides with broader countywide efforts. In April 2025, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved a multi-agency Cold Case Task Force led by District Attorney Ron Freitas and Sheriff Pat Withrow, using private forensic laboratories to supplement DNA testing and address state backlogs.
The effort has already produced results — including the identification of Edward Donald Raymond, whose body had been found 43 years earlier in Beaver Slough. A 2018–19 Grand Jury report found that cold case investigations in the county "rarely result in case closure, arrest, or prosecution" due to insufficient staffing and funding.
How to Submit Tips
Anyone with information is urged to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously. The majority of cold cases are solved not by forensic breakthroughs, but by someone who finally speaks up.
Lodi Police Department — Assigned Detectives
| Detective | Phone | Case Numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Det. Backman | (209) 269-8475 | pbackman@lodi.gov | 67-6633, 06-8976, 15-8821 |
| Det. Sanchez | (209) 269-4828 | Msanchez@lodi.gov | 05-6620, 14-6384, 16-3841, 19-1964 |
| Det. Blythe | (209) 269-5545 | Ablythe@lodi.gov | 89-7914, 02-8122, 11-6102, 16-590, 20-3336 |
| Det. Valeros | (209) 269-4808 | Cvaleros@lodi.gov | 79-3332, 11-8945, 18-3032 |
| Det. Elias | (209) 269-4839 | relias@lodi.gov | Gonzalez 2020 |
| LPD General | (209) 333-6727 | 215 W. Elm St., Lodi, CA 95240 — Any case | |
Anonymous & Community Resources
| Contact | Phone / Method | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lodi Area Crime Stoppers | (209) 369-2746 | Anonymous; rewards up to $1,000. Also via 369crime.com or P3 Tips app. |
| SJ County Sheriff Cold Case Unit | (209) 468-5087 | coldcase@sjgov.org |
| SJ Sheriff Anonymous Tip Line | Text "SJSOTIP" to 847411 | Also via SanJoaquinCo Sheriff app. |
| SJ County District Attorney | (209) 468-2400 | DA Ron Freitas |
| Luis Alvarez Rewards Justice Foundation | (209) 712-7711 | lgajfoundation.org |
Follow Lodi PD on Facebook and Instagram (@lodipd) for ongoing case updates.
Sources & Further Reading
- Lodi News-Sentinel: "Still seeking justice" (Mar. 10, 2026)
- Stocktonia: "Lodi police to highlight unsolved cases" (Mar. 8, 2026)
- Sacramento Bee / Yahoo: "Three Lodi murders still unsolved" (Mar. 9, 2026)
- CBS Sacramento: "14-Year-Old Boy Arrested For Fatal Shooting" — Frazier (Nov. 2011)
- CBS Sacramento: "Lodi Police Searching For Murder Suspect" — Jorge Rodriguez (Dec. 2011)
- Legacy.com: Shedley Frazier Obituary (1990–2011)
- CBS Sacramento: "Man, 20, Shot And Killed In Lodi" — Bedolla (Jan. 2016)
- Find a Grave: Silvestre Guzman Bedolla Jr. (1996–2016)
- Find a Grave: Caroline Kathryn "Carry" Schneider (1950–1979)
- CBS Sacramento: "Lodi Police Looking For Suspect In 2018 Fatal Shooting" — Orozco/Rodriguez (Apr. 2019)
- National Gun Violence Memorial: Ruben Rodriguez, age 31 (May 2018)
- CBS Sacramento: "Cold case detectives seek info" — Cantu (Nov. 2022)
- Sacramento Bee: "Woman found shot in Lodi park" — Cantu (Apr. 2019)
- CBS Sacramento: Tomas Flores (Sept. 2014)
- CBS Sacramento: Robert Ramirez (2020)
- Lodi PD: "Person of Interest" — Patterson (Aug. 2006)
- SJ County: Cold Case Task Force (Apr. 2025)
- National Geographic: "Solving Cold Cases Depends on New Witnesses, Not DNA"
- NIJ: "Applying Modern Investigation Methods to Solve Cold Cases"
- lodi411.com: Lodi Gang Activity and Violence Analysis
- Lodi Police Department — Facebook
- Lodi Police Department — Instagram (@lodipd)