CA CA- Juanita Francisco, 49, bakery owner, found beaten to death in back room of her shop, "La Especial," on Union St., Bakersfield, Nov., 2010,*DNA*.

[dotr]

November 21, 2025 by Dan Miller

Who Killed Juanita Francisco (2010)?

Kern County Sheriff's Office Teams with Othram to Identify Juanita Francisco's Killer

dnasolves.com

''In November 2010, police responded to a call at La Especial Bakery located on Union Street in Bakersfield, California. La Especial Bakery's owner, 49-year-old Juanita Francisco was found in a back room of the store. She had been beaten and the bakery was ransacked. At the time of the attack, forensic evidence belonging to the assailant was collected and a DNA profile was obtained from the evidence. An STR profile was developed, but there was no match to a known individual in law enforcement databases. Despite extensive investigative efforts, the suspect could not be identified and the case went cold.

Since the murder, the investigation has remained open with family members and community members working hard to keep Juanita Francisco's memory alive. Her children, now adults, continue to give interviews about how her loss affected them and affected the Bakersfield community.

"Many, many customers came to me and said to me that she would always listen to them," said Gregg, one of her sons. "And any troubles that they may be having, she was always there to listen to them, and be a friend, even if they'd only recently met her."

'Despite the case going cold, investigators with the Kern County Sheriff's Office and the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory have continued to explore new avenues to find the killer. Now, law enforcement has teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing will help identifying a suspect in this terrible crime. Forensic evidence has been submitted to Othram for analysis where scientists are using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown suspect. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will conduct a genealogical search to generate new investigative leads.''
A DNASolves crowdfund has been established to help cover the costs of this investigative work. Anyone can contribute here. Your contribution will help in bringing about answers in a long-unsolved case. Since Juanita's murder, her family re-opened the bakery, which now operates as Juanita's Bakery.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the number of available DNA profiles increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to identify suspects and resolve cases that have remained unanswered for years.''

 

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rbbm.

Advanced DNA tech offers possible lead in cold-case murder of Juanita Francisco: KCSO

The Kern County Sheriff's Office released a statement and a video regarding the nearly 15-year-old unsolved murder of Juanita Francisco.

bakersfieldnow.com

Nov 26, 2025

'Officials said that, based on DNA evidence obtained early in the investigation, no match was found. Now, Detective Ashley Sanchez has taken over the case and said the sheriff's department is working with a private lab that works with law enforcement to identify suspects through advanced DNA technology.'

'Othram also tests people who choose to share their DNA to help solve crimes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.'
''For more on Othram or how to help, click here.''

 

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Nov 26, 2025 rbbm

''The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has released a new cold case video in the unsolved 2010 murder of Juanita Francisco, a cherished member of our community and the heart behind the former La Especial bakery, now known as Juanita’s Bakery.
''Recently, Detective Ashley Sanchez took on the case and is determined to bring closure to Juanita’s family. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in forensic genealogy, Detective Sanchez has partnered with Othram, a private lab that works with law enforcement to identify suspects through advanced DNA technology.Othram not only helps identify suspects but also assists in identifying unidentified victims (Jane and John Does) by giving names back to those who have been lost. This means that when individuals choose to share their DNA, they may be helping solve crimes and bring closure to families of missing persons. Othram uses genetic genealogy testing and relies on public donations to fund their work. This cutting-edge technology could be the key to identifying Juanita’s killer and finally bringing peace to her children, who had their mother stolen from their lives far too soon.''

 

[dotr]

30 November 2025

Kern County Sheriff Reports DNA Technology Offers Another Lead in the 2010 Cold Case of Juanita Francisco (Video)

Kern County Sheriff Reports DNA Technology Offers Another Lead in the 2010 Cold Case of Juanita Francisco (Video)

goldrushcam.com

''Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials have released a new cold case video in the unsolved 2010 murder

of Juanita Francisco, a cherished member of our community and the heart behind the former La Especial bakery, now known as Juanita’s Bakery.''

'Early in the investigation, DNA evidence was recovered at the scene, but no match could be made at the time. Recently, Detective Ashley Sanchez took on the case and is determined to bring closure to Juanita’s family. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in forensic genealogy, Detective Sanchez has partnered with Othram, a private lab that works with law enforcement to identify suspects through advanced DNA technology.'