KEY POINTS

  • Missy Hernandez went missing on Dec. 7 after leaving an art show in Fresno
  • Friends reported her missing the next day when they had not heard from her
  • Detectives found "forensic and digital evidence" indicating some sort of violent attack

California detectives have charged a man in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of his girlfriend. Missy Hernandez, a 30-year-old woman, went missing on Dec. 7 after leaving an art show in Fresno.

Ramon Jimenez, 41, was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of killing Hernandez. He is not eligible for bail, local media outlets reported Thursday. Jimenez has been in jail since Dec. 8 after he was arrested for a previous domestic violence charge.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said Hernandez's body has not been found. However, authorities believe Jimenez can be prosecuted on the murder charge based on the evidence received, Fresnobee News reported.

Hernandez used to live in Los Angeles and frequently travel to Fresno. Friends reported her missing on Dec. 8 the next day when they had not heard from her. Detectives ruled the disappearance "suspicious" as they found "forensic and digital evidence" indicating some sort of violent attack at her house, ABC30 reported.

"Based on the evidence and the length of time Missy's been gone, detectives have reason to believe that she is dead and Jimenez is responsible for her death," Sheriff Margaret Mims said, according to Your Central Valley.

The search for Hernandez is continuing. Anyone with information can call Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or Detective Gary Haslam at (559) 367-4734.

Jimenez is due in court for a continued arraignment on March 22 and the issue of his bail will be addressed the same day.

Jimenez will face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said.

"It's always difficult to try cases if you don't have a perfect case, but I am confident after seeing what I saw this morning in the briefing," Smittcamp said. "I think that when the facts of this case are revealed, you will see that there really is not any other option other than to believe that this poor young woman is no longer living."

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