After 32 years, the cold case murder of Zachary Jackson has finally been solved. Law enforcement recently arrested Jackson’s ex-partner, Veronica Fonseca, and her then-boyfriend, Anthony Fox, for the 1993 killing in Hayward, California. This breakthrough demonstrates the power of persistence and modern investigative techniques, which, combined with crucial community tips in 2014 and 2021, reignited the dormant investigation. Both suspects now face charges of murder and first-degree residential burglary and await extradition to Alameda County for prosecution.
Story Highlights
- Veronica Fonseca and Anthony Fox arrested for 1993 murder of Zachary Jackson in California.
- Case went cold for over three decades due to limited forensic technology and investigative resources.
- Community tips in 2014 and 2021 reignited investigation leading to arrests across multiple states.
- Both suspects charged with murder and first-degree residential burglary, awaiting extradition.
Decades-Long Investigation Finally Yields Results
Zachary Jackson, 30, was found shot to death in his Hayward, California home on June 17, 1993. The initial investigation floundered due to limited forensic capabilities and lack of concrete leads, allowing the case to go cold. Fonseca, who shared two children with Jackson, was interviewed during the original investigation but not considered a primary suspect. Her then-boyfriend Anthony Fox was never questioned, highlighting the inadequate thoroughness that plagued many investigations during that era.
The breakthrough came through persistent community involvement and modern investigative resources. In 2014, a tipster identified both Fonseca and Fox as potential suspects, but the investigation stalled again. Detective Pat Smyth, who led the renewed investigation, emphasized how crucial witness cooperation and technological advances became in finally cracking this cold case after decades of dormancy.
Anthony James Fox, 56, & then-girlfriend Veronica Fonseca, 54, held by @ACSOSheriffs, charged by @AlamedaCountyDA w/murder & burglary in 1993 shooting death of Zachary Jackson, 30, near Hayward. Fonseca was mother of victim’s then 1yo son pic.twitter.com/K9AUUXybOm
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) November 10, 2025
Cross-Country Arrests Bring Suspects to Justice
The case gained new momentum in 2021 when an anonymous tip further implicated both suspects, leading to increased witness cooperation and investigative focus. This demonstrates the importance of community engagement in solving crimes, something that strengthens public safety when citizens feel empowered to come forward with information. Law enforcement agencies coordinated across state lines to apprehend Fonseca in New York City and Fox in Iowa, showing effective inter-agency cooperation.
Both suspects now face charges of murder and first-degree residential burglary, though authorities have not disclosed the specific evidence that led to their arrests. The residential burglary charge suggests additional criminal activity beyond the homicide, potentially indicating a robbery motive or evidence tampering. Neither suspect has been transferred to Alameda County for prosecution, as legal proceedings continue through the extradition process.
Modern Technology Succeeds Where 1990s Resources Failed
This case exemplifies how advances in forensic science and investigative techniques can resurrect seemingly hopeless cold cases. Detective Smyth specifically noted the lack of technological resources available in 1993, contrasting with the modern tools that ultimately solved Jackson’s murder. The success demonstrates the value of persistent investigation and adequate funding for law enforcement agencies, particularly cold case units that often operate with limited resources.
The resolution brings closure to Jackson’s surviving family, especially his children who have lived without answers for over three decades. It also reinforces public trust in law enforcement’s ability to pursue justice regardless of time constraints, sending a clear message that violent criminals cannot simply wait out investigations. The case sets an important precedent for leveraging both technological advancement and community cooperation to solve historical crimes that might otherwise remain forever unsolved.
Watch the report: Sealed Bin Nightmare: Ex and Mom’s Twisted Murder Cover-Up Exposed
Sources:
Zachary Jackson was killed in 1993, now his kids’ mom and her then-boyfriend are in custody – WBAL
Zachary Jackson cold case: Hayward suspects charged – KTVU
