Man Sentenced to Life for Kidnapping and Murdering Ex-Girlfriend in Madera

Vicente Jasso will spend life in prison without parole for the 2023 murder of 19-year-old Melanie Camacho.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car part or other physical evidence related to the crime, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of this tragic case.A stark, gritty close-up of a crucial piece of evidence from the tragic AutoZone murder case serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of domestic violence.Madera Today

A 25-year-old California man, Vicente Jasso, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnapping and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Melanie Camacho, in 2023. Camacho, 19, disappeared after her shift at an AutoZone store in Madera, and her body was later found in a nearby orchard. Jasso was convicted of first-degree murder with a special circumstance finding that the crime was committed during a kidnapping.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the issue of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and resources to protect victims. Camacho's family has been deeply impacted by her senseless death, and this sentencing provides some closure, though the pain of their loss remains.

The details

According to prosecutors, Jasso kidnapped Camacho after her shift at the AutoZone store on November 24, 2023. Her burned car was found shortly after she went missing, and Jasso's associate, Jose Lopez-Hernandez, later led investigators to Camacho's body in a nearby orchard. Jasso fled from police the following day but was eventually captured after a high-speed chase. Lopez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to three years in prison.

  • On November 24, 2023, Melanie Camacho disappeared after her shift at an AutoZone store in Madera.
  • Camacho's body was found three days later in a nearby orchard.
  • On March 18, 2026, Jasso was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder with a special circumstance finding.
  • On April 18, 2026, Jasso was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 25 years to life and 4 years and 4 months.

The players

Vicente Jasso

A 25-year-old man from California who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering his ex-girlfriend, Melanie Camacho.

Melanie Camacho

A 19-year-old woman who was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Vicente Jasso, in 2023.

Jose Lopez-Hernandez

An associate of Vicente Jasso who pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Ernest LiCalsi

The Madera County Superior Court judge who sentenced Vicente Jasso to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Madera County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who handled the case and praised the Madera County Sheriff's Office for their hard work and the Camacho family for their strength and courage.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Camacho family as they continue to navigate this unimaginable loss.”

— Madera County District Attorney's Office

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of providing support and resources to protect victims. Camacho's family has shown immense strength and courage throughout this ordeal, and their continued involvement in seeking justice for their loved one is a testament to their resilience.