Nineteen-year-old Trisha Beristain was found shot to death in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County, Utah, on November 18, 1998. Investigators described multiple gunshot wounds as execution-style and the scene showed signs of a violent struggle. Initially unidentified, she was later recognized by her father after a televised sketch.

The investigation focused on a boyfriend known to Trisha as Jesse Vega, later identified as Arturo Munguia. Items at the scene — a baseball cap with JESSE written inside and leaves matching trees at Munguia’s apartment complex — linked him to the crime. A friend, Diego Cruz Silva, was later charged with obstruction and told police Munguia shot Trisha after a jealous argument, first inside a truck and then again as she fled.

A first-degree felony murder warrant was issued for Arturo Munguia, who fled and has been a long-term fugitive; investigators believe he may be in the Chicago area or Mexico. Trisha’s family holds an annual vigil on the anniversary of her death as they await justice. If anyone knew Trisha, her movements that night, or the whereabouts of Arturo Munguia or Diego Cruz Silva, please come forward.