Two individuals arrested in 1993 California cold case murder, including the mother of the victim’s children.
In a significant development in a cold case spanning over three decades, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the 1993 murder of Zachary Jackson in Hayward, California. Authorities have identified the suspects as Veronica Fonseca, the mother of Jackson’s two children, and her then-boyfriend Anthony Fox. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office made the announcement on Tuesday, marking a crucial turn in a case that has remained unsolved since its inception.
Zachary Jackson was found fatally shot inside his home on June 17, 1993, with authorities believing the murder occurred a few days prior, likely around June 14. At the time of his death, Jackson was 30 years old, and his children were just 1 and 4 years old. Initial investigations explored multiple leads, including a possible dispute between Jackson and his landlord; however, no arrests were made, and the case eventually went cold.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Detective Pat Smyth discussed the investigation’s trajectory during a recent press conference, indicating that initial questioning of Fonseca did not yield any incriminating evidence. Despite multiple interviews, authorities were unable to substantiate claims of her involvement until a new lead emerged in 2014. An anonymous tip indicated that Fonseca and Fox were implicated in Jackson’s death, prompting further investigation.
For several years, however, the case stalled due to a lack of evidence and witness cooperation, which Detective Smyth referred to as a “roadblock.” In October 2025, a breakthrough occurred when investigators were able to track down several corroborating witnesses who provided additional insights, ultimately leading to the arrests of both suspects.
Currently, Veronica Fonseca, aged 56, and Anthony Fox, aged 54, face serious charges, including murder and first-degree residential burglary, in relation to Jackson’s killing. Authorities allege that both suspects were present at the scene, and evidence suggests that Fox was the individual who fired the fatal shot.
The recent arrests have reignited interest in the case, highlighting the persistent effort of law enforcement agencies to seek justice, even after many years have passed. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of continued investigations into cold cases and the potential for new evidence to emerge, providing hope for resolution to families affected by unresolved crimes.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement continue to encourage the public to assist in ongoing investigations, emphasizing that critical information can sometimes surface long after the initial inquiry has ended.
