Police have located Vanessa Flores-Ibarra, the missing girl from an August homicide of Ariana Zendejas, but are still pursuing the suspect in the case.
Flores-Ibarra went missing and had been seen last with the homicide suspect, Jose Barajas.
Police have been looking for Barajas as the primary suspect in the shooting that killed Zendejas. Police alleged Barajas fired from one vehicle into another, which included Zendejas as a passenger, at B and West streets the night of Aug. 1. Investigators surmised it was in retaliation for a confrontation earlier that day between the suspect and another male. Investigators previously reported they believed Barajas was holding another female, Flores-Ibarra, against her will as well.
Police plan to answer questions about the case update Monday afternoon.
According to an announcement from Hollister police:
On February 7, around 11:30 pm, Vanessa Flores-Ibarra was located crossing into the United States from Tijuana Mexico.
On August 1, 2014 Ariana Zendejas was the victim of a homicide in Hollister. Jose Barajas has since been sought as the suspect. Vanessa Flores-Ibarra had been reported as missing and was believed to be held against her will by Jose Barajas.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection identified Vanessa Flores-Ibarra and Hollister Police detectives responded. Vanessa is now home with her family.
Hollister Police Chief David Westrick will be available for comment to the press at 3 p.m. at the Hollister Police Department.
Anyone having information on this case or any other pending investigation is asked to call the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
