Modesto Fugitive Murderer

Last suspect in an organized personal cause homicide

October 26, 2010

MODESTO CA FUGITIVE NEWS -- Francisco Carranza Meza a.k.a. "Frankie" is most wanted for the shooting of 32-year-old Juan Barajas. Carranza-Meza is the last of five suspects involved in the killing. He is also considered the triggerman in the homicide that occurred in Modesto, California.

On June 27, 2010, at approximately 11:28 p.m., Juan Barajas was found shot inside his vehicle in the 1600 block of Vicksburg Avenue. Police investigation later determined Barajas was a victim of a domestic dispute. Therefore, since Meza is not directly related to Barajas, this murder is considered an organized personal cause homicide.

On July 12, 2010, Modesto police arrested the first suspect in the homicide 23-year-old Gilbert Navarro Jr. Within three days after Navarro's arrest, police arrested three women for accessory to murder:

• 23-year-old Maricela Varela
• 26-year-old Sarah Irene Taberna
• 29-year-old Gloria "Kina" Meza

All three women are alleged to have provided false information about the murder to hinder the investigation, and are believed to have destroyed evidence at the crime scene. Additionally, Gloria Meza is fugitive's sister.

Francisco Carranza Meza is described as:

• Birth Date: October 4, 1986
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black
• Sex: Male
• Race: Latino

Currently, Meza is believed to be hiding in Mexico. However, eventually he will return to the United States. The Modesto Police Department is asking the public to please report any information on the location of Francisco Carranza Meza. If you have information about this wanted fugitive murderer, please call the Modesto Police Department at 209-572-9500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-866-602-7463, which is also offering up to $1,000 reward for the fugitive's capture.