Vanessa Sanchez spent years fighting stage 4 breast cancer with determination and grace, only to be allegedly beaten to death by the one person who should have protected her — her boyfriend of roughly a year.
The 37-year-old was found dead on May 30 inside her Berkeley apartment in the Bay Area after family and friends grew desperate from days of unanswered calls and messages. When a property manager entered her unit, authorities say Sanchez's remains had been placed inside a trash bag and concealed within a large rolling suitcase.
Her boyfriend, Damarcus David Jones, 28, has since been charged with her murder.
Background
Sanchez was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2023 — an advanced battle that demanded extraordinary strength. Those who knew her describe a woman who refused to let illness define her remaining years, continuing to live as fully as possible despite the grueling treatments and uncertainty ahead.
Friends and family say Jones entered Sanchez's life around this time last year. The relationship reportedly had its struggles, but nothing to suggest the violence that would unfold months later.
On May 24, surveillance cameras captured Sanchez entering her apartment building at 1900 California Street with Jones — the last confirmed sighting of her alive. Two days later, investigators say footage showed Jones returning alone with a large rolling suitcase.
The Investigation
Concerned loved ones reported Sanchez missing after she stopped responding to calls and messages. When authorities began piecing together her final days, multiple evidence streams emerged against Jones.
Security camera footage placed both Sanchez and Jones at the apartment on May 24, then Jones alone returning with luggage two days later. Cellphone records also allegedly placed him at the residence for several consecutive days after Sanchez vanished — unusual behavior for someone supposedly unaware of her whereabouts.
When officers finally gained entry to Sanchez's apartment, they discovered her body hidden inside a suitcase. Court records allege she suffered multiple traumatic injuries across her head, neck and other parts of her body.
According to NBC News, Jones reportedly admitted to killing Sanchez. He allegedly told investigators he tried to prevent the odor from spreading by leaving windows open and running an air purifier — aware that decomposition would eventually give away his secret.
Perhaps most disturbing: Jones was already on probation for a felony assault conviction from last year when he allegedly committed this crime.
Jones was arrested in Solano County on June 2. He has been charged with murder and remains in custody without bail.
Key Takeaways
- Vanessa Sanchez, 37, had been battling stage 4 breast cancer since 2023 before her death
- Her boyfriend Damarcus David Jones, 28, allegedly admitted to killing her, police say
- Surveillance footage captured both entering the apartment May 24; Jones returned alone with a large suitcase two days later
- Sanchez's body was found hidden inside the suitcase in her Berkeley apartment at 1900 California Street
- Jones was on probation for felony assault at the time of the alleged murder
- He allegedly tried to mask decomposition by opening windows and running an air purifier
What's Next
Jones is awaiting trial on murder charges. The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors expected to present additional evidence including forensic analysis and further witness interviews. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set.
Sanchez's family has established a memorial fundraiser honoring her memory. They described her as someone who "loved fiercely and wholeheartedly" and possessed a rare gift for making others feel seen and valued.
The case serves as another stark reminder of the dangers facing women in relationships with histories of violence — even when those partners appear to be present during their most vulnerable moments.