Family friend boosts reward in unsolved California murder from Christmas Eve 2017

Valley Crime Stoppers announced a reward increase for information that will lead to an arrest in a 2017 Exeter homicide.

Denise Spangler, 53, was found by family members dead in her home on Christmas Eve 2017, according to Exeter Police Chief John Hall.

The reward total is $6,000. Valley Crime Stoppers board president Dale Mendoza said at a Monday news conference in Fresno that a friend of the family contributed $4,000 and Valley Crime Stoppers contributed $2,000 to encourage anyone with information about the case to come forward.

Exeter police determined that Spangler died of injuries in line with an assault, but have specified whether there appeared to be a forced entry or whether anything appeared to be taken from the home.

Spangler was last seen alive on Dec. 8, 2017. There are currently no suspects and no clear motive.

Spangler is survived by her father, son and three daughters.

All tips to Valley Crime Stoppers are anonymous. The reward will be given based on tips that lead to an arrest. Tipsters contact Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 559-498-STOP or by going to valleycrimestoppers.org.

This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 11:56 AM.