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Fontana honors employees and cold‑case investigators after 40‑year homicide conviction
Summary
Fontana recognized Public Works and Police employees of the year and publicly honored the detective and prosecutors whose work led to a guilty verdict in a 40‑year homicide cold case, bringing closure to the victim’s family.
Mayor Warren opened the meeting by recognizing staff and announcing awards for Public Works and the police department.
Public Works and Engineering employee Meilyne accepted the department’s 2025 Employee of the Year award and thanked colleagues for their support. Public Works Director and City Engineer Jia Kim and several staff members praised Meilyne’s organization and project leadership.
Fontana Police presented Officer Mario Martinez as the Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year. Captain Brian Binks and Chief Michael Dorsey described Martinez’s mentorship, work in narcotics and training roles and his contributions to investigations and staffing.
Chief Michael Dorsey and District Attorney Jason Anderson then recognized detective Katie Clark and Deputy District Attorney Lloyd Masson for reopening and working The People v. Nash, a 40‑year cold homicide. Dorsey summarized investigative steps: reexamining original reports, identifying physical evidence not tested in 1980, sending that evidence to a lab, obtaining a DNA profile, and locating and obtaining a voluntary DNA sample from a person of interest. Dorsey said the DNA collected matched DNA recovered from the victim and that the match led to arrest and extradition.
“Today we honor not only their skill and professionalism, but their integrity and perseverance,” Chief Dorsey said, describing the multi‑year review and testing effort.
District Attorney Jason Anderson praised the investigators and family and said the family’s presence in the chambers made the recognition especially meaningful: “The heroes that are in the room are Missy’s family who are here.”
The council and audience gave standing ovations; family members addressed the council to thank investigators for the work that led to conviction and sentencing. The mayor invited the honorees and family to the stage for photographs.
The council did not take any policy action on this agenda item; the presentations were ceremonial and aimed at recognizing staff and the DA’s office for their roles in solving a long‑running cold case.
