FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Domestic violence has claimed another life in Fresno, as Timothy Goodloe was arrested for the murder of Kristina Meza, 32, last Saturday.
According to Fresno Police Department Lt. Paul Cervantes, Meza was found suffering from multiple visible injuries. EMS initially responded to a call of medical distress, but upon arrival, the case quickly turned into a death investigation.
“It was very apparent that she was suffering multiple injuries,” Cervantes said of Meza.
Investigators revealed that Goodloe, who was in a relationship with Meza, was the one who placed the 911 call, reporting that Meza appeared to be in medical distress.
However, officers soon determined that Goodloe was the prime suspect in the case. Investigations also revealed that police had been actively looking to arrest Goodloe for a prior domestic violence case dating back to March 10, just 12 days before Meza’s death. An active arrest warrant had been issued, but attempts to arrest him had failed, leaving the situation unresolved and ultimately leading to the tragic incident.
Leticia Campos, of the Marjaree Mason Center, explained that domestic violence is often a brutal cycle that’s difficult to break, stating that it can take a victim up to seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship.
Court records show that Goodloe has been charged in a series of previous criminal cases.
Goodloe appeared in court on Thursday morning, pleading not guilty to charges of murder and two counts of sexual penetration by force. He is being held on a $1.1 million bail.
This tragic case highlights the continued need for support and resources for victims of domestic violence.
