FRESNO (KMJ) — The man arrested for the murder of his estranged wife and mother-in-law could face the death penalty.
Alan DuPras was taken into custody outside his home in Kingsburg on Tuesday. He is facing charges relating to the deaths of 55 year old Jennifer DuPras and her mother 88 year old Cynthia Houk.
The investigation began on December 11th 2017, when Fresno County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check close to Northwest Fresno’s Colonial and Sample. That is where deputies said they found the two women shot dead.
Months of investigation resulted in the arrest of the 58 year old suspect on Tuesday, outside his home in Kingsburg.
Fresno County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the case against Alan DuPras is considered to be special circumstances as it involved multiple victims.
“As most of you know, it is eligible for the death penalty,” explained District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “If not, under special circumstances, also eligible for life without the possibility of parole.”
The DA’s office is set to announce at a later date whether or not the death penalty will be pursued.
Detectives with Fresno County Sheriff’s Office later learned about investigations by Fresno Fire Department, which identified Alan DuPras as a potential suspect in two separate arson cases. Both incidents involved the victims in the double murder.
Further inquiries by the Sheriff’s Office led to firearms being recovered, and video footage placing Alan DuPras’ truck near the crime scenes, but Sheriff Margaret Mims said digital evidence acquired this month proved to be enough to make an arrest.
“In this world of television forensic police shows, we’re really living what I call a CSI world,” explained Sheriff Mims. “The expectation from the public may be different from what reality is. The reality is that it takes time.”
The charges against DuPras include two counts of murder, two counts of arson, one count of possession of assault weapons, and one count of vandalism. Bail is set at more than $3.1 million. The 58 year old’s arraignment is set for Thursday morning.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
