On November 14, 2016, Ignacio Contreras, aged 42, was tragically shot to death in Avenal, California. The incident occurred early in the morning, just before 6 a.m., when police were called to a home on South Fourth Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Ignacio's body on the front porch, having been shot at close range. Inside the home, they discovered the body of Maria Corrales, aged 34, who had also been shot at close range in the living room.
The couple had recently moved in together and were looking forward to a new phase of life. The scene was further complicated by the presence of Maria's 7-year-old son, who was unharmed but had witnessed the horrific events.
The investigation quickly identified the suspect as Francisco "Frank" Contreras, Maria's ex-partner and the father of her child. According to reports, the child witnessed the killings and identified his father as the shooter. The motive for the shootings appeared to be rooted in a domestic dispute, as Frank had been stalking Maria after their separation. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Frank's description in the neighborhood the day before the incident. Frank, who was 43 years old at the time, fled the scene and has since evaded capture. Authorities believe he may be hiding in the Los Angeles area, where he has family ties.
The Avenal Police Department, in collaboration with the Kings County District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Police Department, has been actively searching for Frank Contreras. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Despite extensive efforts, including public appeals for information and descriptions of his possible vehicles—a burgundy Chrysler PT Cruiser or a charcoal-beige Ford F-150—Frank remains at large. The case has been featured on crime investigation shows, highlighting the urgency and sensitivity of the situation, especially given the involvement of a young child who witnessed the murders.
The double homicide has left a lasting impact on the Avenal community, which has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent months. However, the nature of this crime, involving a domestic dispute and the brutal killing of two individuals in front of a child, has been particularly troubling for local law enforcement. The search for Frank Contreras continues, with authorities urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. The case remains open, and the pursuit of justice for Ignacio Contreras and Maria Corrales is ongoing.
