Imprisoned Bay Area Killer Convicted of the 1986 Murder of Two Fremont Women
A murderer from the Bay Area, currently serving a life sentence for a previous crime, has been found guilty of the cold-case murders of two young women from Northern California dating back to 1986. Forensic evidence and DNA analysis recently linked him to these heinous acts, resulting in his conviction.
The Alameda County jury rendered its verdict against 63-year-old David Misch, who was found guilty of taking the lives of Jennifer Duey and Michelle Xavier in Fremont. On February 2, 1986, the bodies of these best friends were discovered in an isolated area, both having been subjected to brutal violence, including gunshot wounds and stabbing.
Critical evidence emerged during the trial as DNA retrieved from under Jennifer Duey’s nails in 2001 was matched to Misch. Prior to this connection, while serving time for an unrelated 1989 murder, Misch had claimed to the Fremont Police Department that he witnessed the abduction of Duey and Xavier. Misch’s story, in an attempt to explain the presence of his DNA, was that he tried to intervene in the kidnapping at gunpoint.
Adding to the compendium of evidence was a partial license plate number scribbled on one of the victims’ hands, linking to Misch’s vehicle.
“David Misch was charged 32 years post the brutal murders he committed against Jennifer Duey and Michelle Xavier. Four years after being charged, a jury has found him guilty,” stated Royl Roberts, Chief Assistant District Attorney. “This verdict underscores our unrelenting drive to secure justice for victims and their families, irrespective of the time elapsed. Our only regret is that justice wasn’t swifter for the families involved.”
Jennifer Xavier, aged 18, and Michelle Duey, aged 20, were residents of Fremont who had planned a simple night of enjoying pizza and movies on the evening they met Misch. Prosecutors painted a picture of Misch as a predatory figure with a history of assault—targeting the women when their paths tragically crossed.
David Misch now confronts a sentencing of 50 years to life for these two dreadful murders, with sentencing proceedings scheduled for January 2.
Beyond this conviction, Misch is implicated in the notorious case of a kidnapping and presumed murder from 1989 in Hayward. Misch is believed to have abducted and murdered Michaela Garecht, a 9-year-old girl who vanished after a trip to a local market to buy snacks. Misch stands accused of moving Michaela’s scooter and subsequently abducting her when she approached to retrieve it. Notably, a palm print found on the scooter matched Misch’s own.
Despite intensive investigations, the whereabouts of Michaela Garecht remain unknown, with her body never being recovered.
