Police say they have solved the 14-year-old cold case of the killing of Elizabeth Begaren. (Anaheim Police Department) |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (KTLA) -- Police have arrested the husband of a former state correctional officer whose killing 14 years ago had previously gone unsolved.
Elizabeth Bergaren, 40 at the time of her death, was shot and killed Jan. 17, 1998, as she and her husband, Nuzzio Bergaren, drove on an off-ramp of the 91 Freeway in Anaheim. Also in the vehicle was Nuzzio's 10-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.
Nuzzio told the Los Angeles Times in 1998 that he believed his family was targeted by attackers who wanted to rob his wife, who was carrying $4,800 in her purse after a shopping trip.
But police said Monday that Nuzzio himself was involved in her killing.
Police arrested Nuzzio, 50, Monday afternoon in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of murdering his wife for financial gain, police said. He is being held without bail.
Police have not released details of Nuzzio's alleged plot but the Times reported in 1998 that he took out a $1-million life insurance policy on his wife shortly before here death.
Authorities also arrested Jose Luis Sandoval, 36, and Rafael Garcia Miranda, 45, on suspicion of murder and street terrorism.
Investigators are now looking for a fourth man, Guillermo Espinoza, 37, who they say was also involved in Elizabeth Begaren's death.
Elizabeth Bergaren, 40 at the time of her death, was shot and killed Jan. 17, 1998, as she and her husband, Nuzzio Bergaren, drove on an off-ramp of the 91 Freeway in Anaheim. Also in the vehicle was Nuzzio's 10-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.
Nuzzio told the Los Angeles Times in 1998 that he believed his family was targeted by attackers who wanted to rob his wife, who was carrying $4,800 in her purse after a shopping trip.
But police said Monday that Nuzzio himself was involved in her killing.
Police arrested Nuzzio, 50, Monday afternoon in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of murdering his wife for financial gain, police said. He is being held without bail.
Police have not released details of Nuzzio's alleged plot but the Times reported in 1998 that he took out a $1-million life insurance policy on his wife shortly before here death.
Authorities also arrested Jose Luis Sandoval, 36, and Rafael Garcia Miranda, 45, on suspicion of murder and street terrorism.
Investigators are now looking for a fourth man, Guillermo Espinoza, 37, who they say was also involved in Elizabeth Begaren's death.
