Adelanto, California, January 21, 2026
After two decades, a cold case involving the disappearance and murder of Suzanne Sites-Fenton has been resolved with the arrest of Raymond Silva Gonzalez. He is accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and murdering Sites-Fenton, who vanished in 2001. This development brings hope for justice to her family and raises community concerns about safety, as investigators continue their work.
Adelanto, California: Cold Case Solved After 20 Years
Adelanto, California – A long-unsolved case has recently found resolution with the arrest of a suspect linked to the murder of Suzanne Sites-Fenton, a mother who went missing from a Victorville parking lot back in 2001. This significant development not only brings closure to an agonizing chapter for her family but also raises questions about community safety and perseverance in pursuing justice over the course of two decades.
Discovery and Arrest
On January 20, 2026, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives, alongside a SWAT team, apprehended 51-year-old Raymond Silva Gonzalez in Hesperia on a murder warrant. Currently held without bail at the High Desert Detention Center, Gonzalez has been identified as the lead suspect in the 2001 case. His arrest marks a major turning point in an investigation that remained dormant for years, illustrating the dedication of law enforcement in uncovering the truth.
Details of the Case
The tragic story of Suzanne Sites-Fenton began on April 14, 2001, when she was last seen around 8:30 p.m. outside the Mervyn’s Department Store in the Victor Valley Mall parking lot. Having stepped outside to take a phone call, she intended to pick up Easter candy for her son after finishing work. The alarming silence that followed her disappearance culminated in her husband reporting her missing by 1 a.m. the next day. Although her car was found abandoned soon after, it would take several days before her body was discovered in a remote area of Hesperia. Investigations revealed that she had been kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and shot, igniting fears within the community regarding safety and potential serial activity in the area.
Community Impact
The murder of Suzanne Sites-Fenton deeply resonated in the Adelanto community, generating widespread fear and speculation about the presence of a serial killer in the wider Victor Valley region. Despite lingering apprehensions, no significant arrests were made until now. With the announcement of Gonzalez’s arrest, there is a renewed sense of hope that justice might finally be served for Suzanne and her family, including her husband and their son, who were left grappling with an unresolved tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, Gonzalez is set to have his first court appearance on Tuesday. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information related to this case to connect with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives. This ongoing engagement with the community exemplifies the importance of collective vigilance in ensuring local safety and accountability.
Background
Over the course of twenty years, the unresolved aspects of Suzanne’s case left a cloud of sorrow and uncertainty hanging over her loved ones and the community. The recent development in this story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent in the pursuit of justice and the impactful role of law enforcement in solving cold cases. The hope is that this arrest not only provides closure for Suzanne’s family but also emphasizes the importance of community awareness and cooperation in combating crime.
Conclusion
The arrest of Raymond Silva Gonzalez in connection to Suzanne Sites-Fenton’s murder is a significant milestone in a saga that has spanned two decades. It serves as a reminder of the critical role played by community members and law enforcement in promoting safety and justice. Residents of Adelanto and beyond now have an opportunity to reflect on the importance of vigilance, and support local initiatives that foster a secure and resilient neighborhood environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Suzanne Sites-Fenton?
- Suzanne Sites-Fenton was a 32-year-old mother who disappeared from the Victor Valley Mall parking lot in Adelanto, California, on April 14, 2001. She was last seen around 8:30 p.m. at the Mervyn’s Department Store, where she worked night shifts. Her body was discovered days later in a remote area of Hesperia.
- What happened to Suzanne Sites-Fenton?
- Suzanne was last seen stepping outside to take a call during her night shift at Mervyn’s Department Store. She was expected to pick up Easter candy for her son after work but failed to return home. Her car was found abandoned the following day, and her body was discovered days later. The investigation revealed she had been kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and shot.
- Who was arrested in connection with Suzanne’s death?
- On January 20, 2026, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 51-year-old Raymond Silva Gonzalez in Hesperia on a murder warrant. He is currently being held without bail at the High Desert Detention Center and is identified as the lead suspect in the 2001 case.
- What is the current status of the investigation?
- Raymond Silva Gonzalez is scheduled for his first court appearance on Tuesday. Investigators are urging anyone with additional information to contact San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives at (909) 890-4904.
- How did the community react to Suzanne’s death?
- The murder deeply affected the Adelanto community, leading to widespread fear and speculation about a serial killer in the Victor Valley area. Despite these concerns, no arrests were made until now. The recent arrest has brought renewed attention to the case, offering hope that justice will be served.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Adelanto, California |
| Case Duration | 20 years |
| Victim | Suzanne Sites-Fenton, 32 |
| Suspect | Raymond Silva Gonzalez, 51 |
| Arrest Date | January 20, 2026 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; first court appearance scheduled for Tuesday |
| Community Impact | Widespread fear and speculation about a serial killer; recent arrest brings hope for justice |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Warm Winter Weather Persists in Southern California
Mount Baldy Tragedy Claims Three Hikers Lives on Devil’s Backbone
Los Angeles Forecast: Enjoy Mild, Dry Weather This December
Los Angeles County Wildfire Threatens Communities
Murder Conviction in Rolling Hills Estates Stabbing Case
Burglars Target Recycling Center in Downtown Los Angeles
Woman Assaulted While Walking Dog in Downtown Los Angeles
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Kick Off Annual Campaign to Fight Hunger
Los Angeles Prepares for Weekend Warm-Up
Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Los Angeles Country Club
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
