On 08/13/98 the body of a female was found in a ravine in the 1300 block of Avocado, El Cajon. This ravine was covered in heavy shrubbery. The female was partially decomposed and believed to be deceased up to six weeks. There was no identification located at the scene, and traditional investigative methods were unsuccessful in identifying her.

In 2003 the death case was reexamined by the Cold Homicide Unit of the El Cajon Police Department. The victim’s skull was retrieved and sent to a forensic artist who completed a forensic sculpture. Photographs of the sculpture were released in hopes that a member of the public could assist in identifying the woman. However, no viable leads were developed and the case remained cold. 

In 2008, DNA was obtained from the decedent and a DNA profile was developed. Unfortunately, there were no DNA matches in the database. 

Over a 2-year period beginning in 2023, members of the ECPD volunteer Cold Case Unit worked with Othram Labs and Parabon Labs to conduct genetic genealogy and phenotyping, advanced DNA techniques to reveal human characteristics and potential family members. 

In August, the El Cajon Police Department posted her story on the department’s social media pages, asking the public for assistance. The volunteer Cold Case Unit was contacted by a potential family member who believed she knew the woman’s identity. A DNA test with the decedent’s son confirmed a familial match, providing identification 27 years later. 

If you have any information about Alicia Ledezma Sanchez, or knowledge of the homicide, please contact the El Cajon Police Department’s Investigation Division at 619-579-3320, or email the volunteer Cold Case Unit at coldcaseunit@elcajon.gov. Alternatively, tips can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580 -8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.org.

Prepared by:

Sgt. Steven Breakall

Investigations Division