Fresno police release new details in murder of transgender victim

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Action News has learned new details about the transgender victim murdered in Central Fresno earlier this week.

Kenton Haggard, 66, was killed on Blackstone and Cornell avenues around 2:30 a.m. Thursday. Surveillance video shows an SUV approach Haggard. The driver then stabs her in the neck.

Police say Haggard had a serious drug addiction to methamphetamine and crack cocaine. They say she started dressing in women's clothing about three to six months ago.

Police have also learned more about the suspect. They say 10 hours after the murder, he picked up a female prostitute at another location. Investigators found the room they were in and are looking for the suspect's fingerprints and DNA inside.

"He's described as a Hispanic male, mid-to-late-30s, approximately 5'9" to 5'10", extremely thin, perhaps 150 pounds to 160 pounds, and has tattoos on both arms, very visible tattoos on both arms, and has very, very short dark hair," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

Authorities describe the suspect's vehicle as a light-colored -- possibly silver -- 2000 to 2005 Saturn SUV. The vehicle has a moon roof and bondo repair work on the lower right front of it.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call Fresno police at (559) 621-7000.