California DOJ identified suspect

“The forensic personnel at California DOJ crime labs are absolutely key in solving cold cases.  Killers may have hidden from justice for decades, but science, law enforcement and, district attorneys’ offices are all catching up to them.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

STOCKTON— On October 3, 2024, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that after 35 years, justice has been secured for Ching Jeung, a Stockton resident who was brutally murdered in 1989.

Marco Antonio Berrelleza was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances for committing the murder during a burglary and an attempted rape, bringing long-awaited closure to the victim’s family and the Stockton community.

On the morning of January 11, 1989, Ching Jeung was found severely beaten in her home, suffering from facial bruises, broken teeth, fractured ribs, and injuries consistent with sexual assault. Stockton Police Department (SPD) officers responded to the scene, where they recovered latent fingerprints and other crucial evidence, including a JC Penney box lid that appeared to have the victim’s blood on it. Despite a thorough investigation at the time, no suspects were identified.

In 2019, the latent prints and evidence were reexamined by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). California DOJ analysts identified Marco Antonio Berrelleza as the source of the fingerprints recovered from the scene, including prints found on the JC Penney box lid. Two DOJ analysts concluded that one of Berrelleza’s prints was made in the victim’s blood. Fingerprints were also found on broken glass from a window in the victim’s kitchen, believed to be the defendant’s point of entry.

Although a field evidence technician responsible for some of the recovered prints had passed away before Berrelleza’s arrest, his notes and crime scene photographs clearly linked the evidence to the burglary. During the investigation, Berrelleza denied responsibility for the murder but admitted to committing other burglaries in the area, often by breaking windows and crawling inside.

Berrelleza was convicted for first-degree murder with two special circumstances under Penal Code section 190.2: the murder occurred during a burglary and an attempted rape.

“This conviction is a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “For 35 years, the brutal murder of Ching Jeung haunted this community, but today we have brought her killer to justice. Our message is clear: no case is ever too old, and we will never stop pursuing those who inflict such pain and terror.”

Freitas also acknowledged the exceptional efforts of Deputy District Attorney Alex Henry. “DDA Alex Henry’s meticulous work and dedication were crucial in bringing this case to a successful close. His resolve and expertise ensured that justice was finally served.”

DA Freitas extended his gratitude to Detective Clifford Johnson of the Stockton Police Department, District Attorney Investigator Eduardo Rodriguez, and the California Department of Justice for their tireless work in bringing this case to a close. “The commitment from our law enforcement partners, especially the forensic experts at DOJ, was critical in securing this conviction. This case demonstrates the value of persistence and the advancement of forensic technology in solving cold cases.”