Breanna Bradford's ex-boyfriend expected to be charged for her death

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The former boyfriend of a woman found dead in her car in southeast Fresno is expected to be charged with her murder.

The person of interest in the young woman's death is in the Fresno County Jail. James Matthew Gonzalez Gay is being held on four felony counts in connection with the carjacking of a postal service truck on Friday.

Breanna Bradford's body was found Sunday and charges in her death are pending. Police believe Gay is connected to the death of

Bradford. Gonzalez-Gay, who is 35, is a former boyfriend of the 22-year-old.

The two had an argument at her apartment last Thursday night and left together. Police say she may have been forced. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer discussed some of the evidence against Gonzalez-Gay at a news conference Sunday.

"Based on the fact James Gay is the last person seen with Breanna and prior to leaving the apartment, they had a heated verbal exchange, he is the primary person of interest," he said.

Gonzalez-Gay was already in police custody when the woman's body was found in her car near Ventura and Ninth. A neighborhood resident made the discovery.

"Something covered up like with a blanket, so like with a sheet, but I couldn't tell if it was a person or not under there sleeping, so that's when I went to the passenger side and I could see her legs, out of the sheet, it was awful," Marcie Verduzco said.

He had been arrested on Friday for the alleged hijacking of a postal service mail truck. He was caught by police after the mailman fought him off. Police found a gun at the scene. Gonazelz-Gay is in jail on carjacking and felony weapons charges. Gonzalez-Gay was paroled from prison late last year.

"James Gay is a Bulldog gang member who has an extensive criminal history," Dyer said.

Breanna Bradford attended Hanford West High where she was on the cheer squad. She had recently been working as a waitress. The case is expected to be turned over to the district attorney this week. An autopsy on Bradford is being scheduled.