Homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have solved a nearly four year old case, locating the remains of 46 year old Fernando Subia of Fowler.
Fernando Subia was last seen December 9th, 2014 in the area of Adams and Clovis Ave. in Fowler. Fernando was an employee at the Harris Ranch Beef Co. packing plant in Selma. Detectives searched relentlessly for leads of Subia’s whereabouts, but nothing ever developed. Several times Subia’s family posted flyers and offered rewards, but again, no leads were generated.
This past spring, detectives received information about Subia’s disappearance. They were told Subia had been murdered and 31 year old Ricardo Ortiz of Fowler was responsible for killing him. Detectives were also told that Subia’s body was buried in an almond orchard located off E. Adams Ave. in Fowler, between Peach and Villa Avenues. On May 17th, 2018, detectives began to search the land for possible human remains. While digging on May 18th, detectives found what appeared a femur or a thigh bone. Detectives focused on this particular area and found more bones, clothing and a wallet. Detectives were certain they had found Subia, but needed to submit the remains for DNA testing.
On August 22nd, results of the DNA tests came back and confirmed the bones were those of Fernando Subia.
As detectives searched for Subia’s accused killer, Ricardo Ortiz, they discovered he had possibly been murdered in Mexico on August 16th of this year. Last month, forensics confirmed the body of the murder victim in Mexico was that of Ricardo Ortiz. It was determined he had been living in Mexico off and on since October of 2015. Sheriff’s detectives had interviewed Ortiz a couple months after Subia had originally disappeared, but did not have enough information to arrest him for murder at the time.
Reaching a conclusion in this investigation would not have been possible without some outside help. We would like to thank members of the Fresno County Public Works Department and PG&E for assisting with the digging process, the property owner for allowing us to dig and Forensic Anthropologist, Doctor Roger LaJeunesse for his valuable expertise during the search.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information on this case to please contact Sheriff’s Detective Adam Maldonado at (559) 600-8208. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org
You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
