Family asking for help solving Fresno woman's murder

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Wednesday marked one year since 31-year-old Brittany Degrise was found murdered in Fresno County.

Detectives are now asking for help as they search for a suspect, while her family remains heartbroken as they navigate life without her.

"Without her, I don't know where I'd be, but I'm trying to be the best self I can be now that she's gone," Degrise's sister, Destiny Luna, said through tears.

On January 10th of last year, Fresno County sheriff's deputies found her body near a grape vineyard on Orange Avenue, between Manning and Dinuba Avenues.

Deputies say her injuries were consistent with a homicide.

"Why would they do this to my sister? She didn't deserve this," Luna said. "The way they took her out was not the way she deserved. She was beautiful. Her soul was immaculate."

At the time of her murder, investigators had no suspects.

Just over a year later, detectives have no update for her family and are now turning to the public for help.

"We just want to keep people up to date, remind them this investigation is still ongoing," FCSO Homicide Detective Jose Diaz explained. "It's moving along very well for us, but again, at this point, any bit of information, any help, we will take."

"This killer is still out there, and we need capture," Degrise's mother, Tracey Degrise, said.

Detectives say Degrise was experiencing homelessness in Fresno and was known to hang out in the area of Tulare and First Streets.

"Whoever did this to her needs to come forward. They need to tell us what happened and why they did this to her," Luna said.

"We want justice for Brittany," her mother added.

Degrise leaves behind a son and daughter, who are now in the care of family members.

"She misses her mom dearly. She misses her mom," Luna said while crying. "That was all she had. Her mom was everything to her."

Degrise's family hopes the community can help get justice for her as they continue to mourn her loss.

Detectives say they are following some leads but will not be releasing any more details at this time.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact Detective Jose Diaz at (559)600-8204 or Crime Stoppers at (559)498-7867 or valleycrimestoppers.org. You can remain anonymous.

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