The 1987 kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of 6-year-old Jeremy Stoner in Vallejo, California, has finally been solved thanks to a DNA breakthrough. After more than three decades, authorities have arrested Fred Cain III, bringing closure to a case that saw another man wrongly accused and tried twice for the crime.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Cain, who was living in Central Point, Oregon, at the time of his apprehension. He has been charged with murder with special circumstances of kidnapping and sodomy and waived extradition to California.
This case dates back to February 21, 1987, when young Jeremy Stoner vanished from his Vallejo home. Four agonizing days later, his body was discovered on Sherman Island in Sacramento County. An autopsy revealed the horrific truth: Jeremy had been sexually assaulted and murdered.
Fred Cain III, arrested in Oregon, faces murder charges in California for the 1987 death of Jeremy Stoner. (Solano County District Attorney’s Office)
The Solano County District Attorney, Krishna Abrams, praised the dedicated work of the cold case unit, reinstated in 2014, for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. “I am so thankful to have such dedicated cold case investigators that no matter how much time goes by they remain steadfast in their commitment to solving these horrific cases,” Abrams stated. She confirmed that DNA evidence was instrumental in identifying Cain as the suspect.
Tragically, this DNA evidence also exonerated a man who had been wrongly accused and subjected to two trials for Jeremy’s murder. Shawn Melton endured years of suspicion and legal battles, maintaining his innocence throughout. He tragically passed away in 2000, before the DNA technology could definitively clear his name.
Melton became a suspect in 1987 after investigators claimed he possessed information seemingly known only to the perpetrator. According to reports, police focused on Melton after his psychologist contacted them regarding alleged fantasies about young boys. Despite the accusations and trials, Melton steadfastly proclaimed his innocence, expressing his desire for the true culprit to be found.
Jeremy Stoner, 6, was kidnapped from his Vallejo, California home in 1987. (Courtesy: Stoner Family)
District Attorney Abrams revealed that Cain had a connection to the victim but was not residing in Vallejo at the time of the murder. The investigation continues to unravel the full extent of their relationship.
Following Cain’s arrest, law enforcement agencies in Martinez, California, identified him as a person of interest in another unsolved murder that occurred just weeks before Jeremy Stoner’s death. In that case, Eric Coy was killed after leaving his home to visit his cousin. His body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was found on the grounds of Martinez Junior High.
This recent development underscores the power of advancements in DNA technology to solve cold cases and bring justice to victims and their families. While the arrest of Fred Cain III brings a measure of closure to the Stoner family, it also highlights the tragic consequences of wrongful accusations and the importance of continued dedication to solving cold cases.
The investigation into both the Stoner and Coy murders continues, with authorities exploring potential links between the two cases. Cain’s arraignment is pending, and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims involved.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime on families and communities. While the arrest of Fred Cain III provides some solace after decades of uncertainty, the pain of Jeremy Stoner’s loss remains profound. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed further light on the circumstances surrounding both Jeremy’s and Eric Coy’s deaths and provide a clearer understanding of the events that transpired in 1987. The pursuit of justice continues.
This complex case raises important questions about the criminal justice system, the impact of wrongful accusations, and the crucial role of forensic science in solving crimes. The exoneration of Shawn Melton serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for misjudgment and the importance of due process. The use of DNA technology in this case highlights its power to both identify perpetrators and clear the names of the innocent. As this case moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to generate discussion and debate about these critical issues.
This in-depth analysis of the Jeremy Stoner case underscores the enduring power of hope and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, even after decades have passed. The arrest of Fred Cain III marks a significant step forward in bringing closure to this tragic chapter, while also raising awareness about the importance of continued support for cold case investigations and the vital role of forensic science in ensuring that justice is served. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will undoubtedly continue to seek answers and support the families affected by these devastating losses.
