Arrest in 2004 cold case murder of Reno preschool teacher
RENO, Nev. -- A 32-year-old Southern California man has been arrested in the 2004 strangulation and sexual assault of a Reno preschool teacher in her home.
Police said at a news conference Friday that Francisco Merino-Ojeda of Santa Ana was extradited and booked into jail in Reno on Wednesday in the death of Kyla Annan, 28.
Merino-Ojeda, a landscaper, is accused of killing her 10 days after breaking into her home and being scared off by her boyfriend. She was found dead on her bed Sept. 23, 2004.
"She was sunshine. Very intelligent. She had a mind of her own," the victim's mother Cheryl Annan said at a press conference, according to CBS affiliate KTVN.
Reno police Lt. William Rulla says a major break in the case occurred in January when investigators received a tip about the killer and subsequent DNA testing linked the suspect to evidence at the murder scene.
Police told KTVN they believe Merino-Ojeda didn't know the victim before the crime. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.
"I want him to not see the light of day," Cheryl Annan said, reports the station. "A life for a life."