Joseph Aguayo

Background

Joseph Moreno Aguayo, 68, was convicted of killing Eva Chu, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her death. He was serving a 60-year sentence for kidnapping, rape, and robbery of his ex-girlfriend when the district attorney’s office reviewed old cases and discovered a DNA match. Aguayo was in prison in Susanville for attempted murder after beating his girlfriend and leaving her in the trunk of his car in the summer sun.

The offence

Eva Chu, 29, was last seen near a downtown parking garage on her way to a doctor’s checkup when she was abducted. Her body was found four days later on the banks of Arcade Creek under some tree limbs. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled. She was pregnant at the time of her death.

Investigation

DNA evidence from an April 1979 slaying matched Aguayo’s DNA. Witnesses described a man who looked nothing like Aguayo driving away in Chu’s car, but the DNA evidence was used to establish his involvement.

Arrest

Aguayo was serving time in prison in Susanville for attempted murder when investigators came calling regarding the Chu case.

Trial

Aguayo was convicted of the murder of Eva Chu and her unborn child based on DNA evidence. The defense argued there was a possibility of human or machine error and urged not to rely solely on DNA evidence.

Sentencing

Aguayo was sentenced to death on August 8, 1996.

Appeals

The case summary does not mention any appeals.

Outcome

Aguayo was convicted of murder for the killing of Eva Chu and her unborn child and sentenced to death.

Aftermath

The case was reviewed after old cases were revisited by the district attorney’s office, leading to Aguayo’s conviction based on DNA evidence.