More than 40 years after a young woman was found dead in a California grapefruit grove, justice has finally been delivered. Advances in forensic technology helped solve a case that had remained cold for decades, leading to the conviction of a 71-year-old man.
Teen Found Dead in 1980
On July 5, 1980, the body of 18-year-old Michelle “Missy” Jones was discovered in a grapefruit grove. Investigators determined that she had been sexually assaulted before her death.
At the time, detectives followed multiple leads. However, due to limited forensic tools and technology available in 1980, the investigation eventually stalled. The case remained unsolved for decades, leaving Jones’ family without answers.
Case Reopened After Decades
Years later, Cpl. Kathryn Clark of the Fontana Police Department reopened the case. While reviewing old records, she discovered that Leonard Nash had reportedly dated one of Jones’ sisters around the time of the murder. Despite this connection, he had never been questioned during the original investigation.
In 2019, investigators re-examined autopsy evidence using modern forensic technology that was not available in the early 1980s. The updated testing provided new leads.
Clark eventually located Nash living in Las Vegas. Authorities reportedly collected his DNA from items he had thrown away. The DNA matched evidence from the original crime scene.
Arrest and Conviction
Leonard Nash was arrested on September 8, 2020. The case went through two trials before a jury convicted him of second-degree murder in November 2025.
He officially began serving his sentence on February 3. Nash has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Oldest Cold Case Conviction in the County
According to reports, this case is the oldest cold case in San Bernardino County to result in a conviction. The breakthrough highlights how advancements in forensic science can help solve crimes even decades later.
For the family of Michelle “Missy” Jones, the conviction brings long-awaited justice after more than four decades of uncertainty. While no sentence can undo the loss, the resolution of the case marks a significant step toward closure.
