A man has been arrested for a murder and sexual assault of a woman from over 20 years ago.On Friday, June 11, 2021, the Bakersfield Police Department made an arrest in a cold-case sexual assault and attempted murder which occurred in the 1800 block of Golden State Avenue on November 24, 1997.

Through DNA evidence, detectives identified a suspect as Michael Allen Fontes (47), of Tulsa, Oklahoma. An arrest warrant was obtained charging Fontes with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Mayhem, Kidnapping for Robbery, and Sexual Assault charges.

With the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Office, Fontes was apprehended in Fresno, California on June 11, 2021. He was transported to Bakersfield and was booked into the Kern County Jail for the charges listed in the warrant.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Lance O’Nesky at (661) 326-3275, or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.