By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-11 22:10:27 | Updated at 2026-06-12 09:21:08
11 hours ago
An adored California woman who battled stage four breast cancer was found dead inside a suitcase in her apartment, according to police.
Vanessa Sanchez, 37, was discovered in a piece of luggage by her property manager on May 30 inside her home in Berkeley, according to court documents obtained by NBC Bay Area.
Sanchez's body, which showed signs of trauma, was stuffed in a trash bag and placed inside the suitcase, records detailed.
Her boyfriend, Damarcus Jones, 28, was arrested on June 2 after police discovered surveillance footage of Sanchez entering her unit with him on May 24, but never exiting, investigators said.
Jones was seen two days later rolling a large suitcase into her apartment, and cellphone records placed him there for several days after his girlfriend was last seen alive, records showed.
Jones also confessed to killing Sanchez, and told investigators that he tried to cover the smell of her decomposing body by opening up windows and using an air purifier, the warrant stated.
Sanchez has been remembered by her loved ones as someone who 'loved fiercely and wholeheartedly,' according to her obituary.
She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2023, and 'fought hard, with bravery and grace' against the disease, the page read.
Vanessa Sanchez, 37, was discovered in a piece of luggage by her property manager on May 30 inside her home in Berkeley, California, police said
Her boyfriend, Damarcus Jones, 28, was arrested on June 2. He confessed to killing Sanchez and told investigators that he tried to cover the smell of her decomposing body by opening up windows and using an air purifier, the warrant said
Jones was seen on camera rolling a large suitcase into her apartment (pictured), and cellphone records placed him there for several days after his girlfriend was last seen alive, records showed
'She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, loved and deeply cared for.
'Those fortunate enough to be loved by her knew the warmth, kindness and unwavering support she gave so freely,' her loved ones added.
Sanchez was also very open about her cancer journey on her social media page, where she highlighted a GoFundMe page that her aunt started for her.
Her aunt said that she started the fundraiser to help Sanchez cover her growing medical bills 'as well as everyday expenses'.
A funeral has been scheduled for June 14, according to her obituary.
Jones was arrested without incident after two of Sanchez's friends identified Jones as her boyfriend in two photo lineups, the report said.
According to the warrant, Sanchez suffered several injuries, including bruising under her upper lip, hemorrhaging on her right wrist and right side of her body, blood around her eyes, and damage to her neck.
Jones is being held without bail on a murder charge, among others. His next court date has not yet been listed.
She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2023, and 'fought hard, with bravery and grace' against the disease, her obituary read
Sanchez was also very open about her cancer journey on her social media page, where she highlighted a GoFundMe page that her aunt started for her
He was convicted in November of felony assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and placed on probation as a result, according to court records obtained by the Berkeley Scanner.
Sanchez's cause of death has not yet been determined, but police said it appeared she had been killed in an assault, according to the outlet.
The Daily Mail contacted the Alameda County Coroner's Office and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for comment.
