Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Ex-Girlfriend After Her AutoZone Shift

Vicente Jasso will spend the rest of his life in prison for the 2023 murder of Melanie Camacho.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a violent crime.The shattered remnants of a violent crime scene expose the fragility of human life and the urgent need for greater protections against domestic violence.Madera Today

A 25-year-old California man, Vicente Jasso, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnapping and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Melanie Camacho, in 2023. Camacho disappeared after finishing her shift at an AutoZone store in Madera, California, and her body was later found in a nearby orchard three days later.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for greater resources and support to protect victims from their abusers. Camacho's murder also raised concerns about workplace safety and the vulnerability of employees, especially young women, when leaving their jobs late at night.

The details

According to prosecutors, Jasso kidnapped Camacho after her shift at AutoZone and killed her. Her burned car was found shortly after she went missing, and a search led to the discovery of her body in a nearby orchard three days later. Jasso fled from police but was eventually captured after a high-speed chase, during which he threw some of Camacho's belongings out of the vehicle.

  • On November 24, 2023, Melanie Camacho disappeared after finishing her shift at an AutoZone store in Madera, California.
  • Camacho's burned car was found just hours after she went missing.
  • Camacho's body was discovered in a nearby orchard three days after she disappeared.
  • Jasso was arrested the day after Camacho's disappearance following a high-speed chase.
  • On March 18, 2026, a jury convicted Jasso of first-degree murder and kidnapping.

The players

Vicente Jasso

A 25-year-old California man who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering his ex-girlfriend, Melanie Camacho, in 2023.

Melanie Camacho

A 19-year-old woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Vicente Jasso, after finishing her shift at an AutoZone store in Madera, California.

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 thanked the Madera County Sheriff's Office for their work in bringing the case to justice and acknowledged the strength and courage of the Camacho family.

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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

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Jasso to life in prison without the possibility of parole marks the conclusion of this high-profile case.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater resources and support to protect victims of domestic violence, as well as the importance of workplace safety measures to ensure the security of employees, especially young women, when leaving their jobs late at night.