Justin David Gonzales, 34, was found dead in Carmichael, California, on January 18, 2014. Investigators determined the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds and treated the case as a homicide, prompting an immediate criminal inquiry.

Early in the investigation several people with known associations to Gonzales were identified as suspects. Alexis Velazquez was later convicted in connection with the killing and received a life sentence without parole. The case also became entangled with separate legal proceedings: Gonzales had been convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Ronald Antonio, but an appellate court overturned that conviction and ordered a retrial. Questions about witness credibility and DNA evidence arose during the retrial, and Gonzales was acquitted after spending seven years in custody.

This case touches on contested witness testimony and evidence handling that affected outcomes in multiple trials. Anyone with information about Gonzales, his activities in Carmichael around January 2014, or the investigation is asked to come forward.