A 58-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Jennifer Michelle Jones, whose body was found in a dumpster in northwest Fresno over the weekend, according to police.<\/p>\n
Authorities booked Michael Koontz on a murder charge days after Jones’ body was discovered. Police said Koontz and Jones were “associates” and do not believe the case is tied to a relationship dispute.<\/p>\n
People who knew Jones said she frequented the Pinedale area, not far from where her body was recovered.<\/p>\n
Action News visited West Beechwood Avenue, where Jones was believed to have lived, and learned there was a significant police presence there the previous day.<\/p>\n
Video obtained by Action News showed law enforcement activity in the neighborhood. A neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said witnessing the operation was surprising.<\/p>\n
“It was a little shocking,” the neighbor said.<\/p>\n
The same neighbor described the police response as orderly.<\/p>\n
“It was really organized. It was quiet. It was neat. There is no access to the neighborhood,” the neighbor said.<\/p>\n
Police have not confirmed whether the operation on West Beechwood Avenue was connected to Koontz’s arrest. Neighbors, however, said they had seen Koontz in the area before.<\/p>\n
Large tarps covered the backyard of a home where neighbors said police activity occurred.<\/p>\n
The anonymous neighbor said they observed what appeared to be a confrontation during the operation.<\/p>\n
“We did see a little bit someone got tased. We did see a little resistance. There’s always people there homeless people you don’t know who’s who but you know who’s not supposed to be there,” the neighbor said.<\/p>\n
Action News also found that Koontz has a criminal history in another state, including an assault conviction.<\/p>\n
Police have not released Jones’ cause of death or identified a motive in the case.<\/p>\n
Although an arrest has been made, investigators said they are still seeking information from the public.<\/p>\n
Police said anyone with information is encouraged to come forward and may remain anonymous.<\/p>\n
For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Col\u00f3n on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n