California woman found stuffed in suitcase in Berkeley apartment

A California woman who had been battling stage 4 cancer was allegedly beaten to death by her boyfriend and hidden inside a suitcase in her Berkeley apartment in the Bay Area.

Vanessa Sanchez, 37, was found dead on May 30 after loved ones grew concerned when she stopped responding to calls and messages.

The case took a chilling turn as investigators pieced together Sanchez’s final days using surveillance footage, cellphone data and statements allegedly made by the suspect.

Security cameras captured Sanchez entering her apartment building at 1900 California Street with her boyfriend, 28-year-old Damarcus David Jones, on May 24, according to court records.

It was the last time she was seen alive. Two days later, surveillance footage allegedly showed Jones returning to the building with a large rolling suitcase.

Authorities say cellphone records also placed Jones at the apartment for several days after Sanchez disappeared.

Concerned friends and family reported Sanchez missing, but the search came to a tragic end when a property manager entered her apartment and discovered her body.

Investigators say Sanchez’s remains had been placed inside a trash bag and concealed within a suitcase.

Court records allege she suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including injuries to her head, neck and other parts of her body.

Jones was arrested in Solano County on June 2 and later charged with murder.

He reportedly admitted to killing Sanchez and told investigators he tried to prevent the odor from spreading by leaving windows open and running an air purifier inside the apartment because he knew her body would begin to smell, according to NBC.

Authorities also noted that Jones was on probation for a felony assault conviction from last year.

The killing has devastated those who knew Sanchez, who had already overcome extraordinary challenges after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2023.

Family members said Sanchez confronted her cancer diagnosis with determination, bravery and grace — while continuing to live life as fully as possible.

An online fundraiser originally created to help cover medical expenses during her cancer battle has since been transformed into a memorial page following her death.

In her obituary, relatives described Sanchez as someone who “loved fiercely and wholeheartedly” and possessed a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued and deeply cared for.

“The world lost a bright, bright light,” her family wrote. “Words cannot express the magnitude of this loss.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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