Irvine, California – The remains of a 14-year-old girl who was strangled to death and set on fire in a parking lot nearly 15 years ago have been identified through DNA testing. Marcia Shirree Thomas, a young teen who went missing from Reno, Nevada, has finally been named by investigators.

On the morning of September 5, 2009, employees discovered a partially burned body in a parking lot, prompting a response from the Irvine Police Department. The condition of the body led officers to suspect foul play, and it was believed that the victim had been burned in the lot just hours before her discovery.

Initially, investigators could not identify the victim, who became known as Jane Doe. It was initially believed that she was in her 20s. Authorities collected DNA samples from under Jane Doe’s fingernails and gathered other evidence at the scene. In 2010, DNA testing linked two brothers, Gabino Valdivia-Guzman and Zenaido Valdivia-Guzman, to the crime.

According to police, on the night of September 4, 2009, Gabino Valdivia-Guzman allegedly persuaded Jane Doe to enter his van. As he drove, his brother Zenaido sat in the back, out of the victim’s sight. When Jane Doe realized there was a second person in the vehicle, she panicked and tried to escape. Officers reported that Zenaido Valdivia-Guzman then pulled her into the back of the van and assaulted her. Zenaido allegedly strangled Jane Doe to death, and Gabino drove them to the parking lot where her body was later found. The brothers poured gasoline on the victim and set her on fire before fleeing with her cellphone.

On November 5, 2010, both Gabino and Zenaido Valdivia-Guzman were charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder with sentencing enhancements for murder during the commission of a kidnapping.

More than a decade later, on November 15, 2022, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced that a jury had convicted Zenaido Valdivia-Guzman of one felony count of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of murder in the commission of a kidnapping. Gabino Valdivia-Guzman has not yet been tried.

The breakthrough in identifying the victim came from ongoing DNA testing efforts. On July 25, 2024, Irvine Police confirmed that the remains belonged to Marcia Shirree Thomas. Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent expressed his commitment to the case, stating, “The Irvine Police Department has been committed to this case since 2009. Marcia’s family remains in our thoughts during this difficult time. We appreciate the agencies that have assisted in providing crucial information to support the case and the family.”

This tragic case highlights the importance of persistent investigative efforts and advancements in DNA technology in solving cold cases. The identification of Marcia Shirree Thomas brings a measure of closure to her family and underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to seek justice for victims, no matter how much time has passed.

The case has also drawn attention to the issue of violence against young women and the critical need for preventive measures. It serves as a reminder of the dangers that vulnerable individuals can face and the importance of community vigilance and support in protecting them.

In the years since the crime, forensic science has made significant advancements, allowing for more precise and comprehensive DNA testing. The use of DNA evidence has been instrumental in solving numerous cold cases, providing justice for victims and their families.

As the investigation continues, authorities hope to uncover more details about the events leading up to Marcia’s tragic death. The community remains hopeful that continued efforts will bring the remaining perpetrator to justice and provide further answers to Marcia’s family.

This case also emphasizes the collaborative efforts between different law enforcement agencies and forensic departments. Their combined work demonstrates the effectiveness of shared resources and information in solving complex cases and delivering justice.

Marcia Shirree Thomas’ story is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes on victims’ families and communities. It highlights the ongoing need for dedication and innovation in the pursuit of justice. The identification of Marcia after nearly 15 years is a testament to the resolve of investigators and the relentless quest to give victims a voice.