Fresno police arrest suspect in canal killing as search continues for missing man

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A dispute among friends turned deadly in southwest Fresno, leaving one woman dead, a second man missing and another man in custody on murder and torture charges, police said.

Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto announced the arrest of 48-year-old Boshay Ware in connection with the death of Georgiana McGhee, whose body was found May 10 in a canal.

"These people all knew each other, it wasn't random, it wasn't a street encounter. These individuals were all associates," Casto said.

Investigators said McGhee was severely beaten before being placed in the canal. Police also said 55-year-old Jerome Saldivar was assaulted in the same incident and remains missing weeks later.

"Georgiana was severely beaten before being placed in the canal by Boshay Ware, and also, Saldivar, Jerome Saldivar, was severely beaten," Casto said.

Authorities said they have been unable to locate Saldivar and believe he may be seriously injured or dead.

"We are still unable to locate Jerome Saldivar, we know that he is injured, possibly deceased, or in need of help," Casto said.

Family members of McGhee said they were shocked by the allegations. Jackie Smith, McGhee's cousin, said she had known Ware since childhood and never expected the violence.

"Just because we've known a person for so long, you never know what a person may do behind closed doors, you know, but everybody gets caught one day," Smith said.

Smith described McGhee and Ware as friends and said she had recently spoken with Ware before his arrest, during which he denied any wrongdoing.

"I felt like he played in my face. You knew all along what you did and what happened, but you was trying to stir me away from, you know, seeking justice," Smith said.

Police said Ware does not have a significant history of violent crime, with prior convictions involving minor offenses.

"Interestingly, Boshay Ware does not have an extensive criminal history, he has a conviction for a disturbance and some type of maltreatment of animals, and some property crimes. But no previous violent crime history," Casto said.

Investigators believe the violence may have stemmed from a dispute involving an RV trailer registered to Saldivar around the time he disappeared.

As the search for Saldivar continues, McGhee's family said they hope his loved ones can find answers.

"His wife and his son and them, they do need closure, you know, trying to just press the issue, hopefully they'll, they'll lower the water in the canal, and get in there and do what they got to do, because it's been too long," Smith said.

Police said they are considering lowering water levels in the canal where McGhee was found as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Saldivar's whereabouts to contact Fresno police.

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