Southern California Man Arrested in 2006 Murder Case Involving His Wife

A Southern California man was arrested in connection with the cold case murder of his wife, who had been missing for 20 years.

San Bernardino County deputies arrested Jeff Maiorca, 53, of Big Bear, in connection with the death of his late wife, Jill Maiorca, 29.

The investigation began on Oct. 28, 2020, when deputies responded to a suspicious discovery at a home in the 39000 block of Forest Road in Big Bear Lake.

While searching a crawlspace beneath the home, deputies discovered human remains.

An autopsy was performed on the remains, and officials determined the manner of death was homicide.

“Despite DNA testing and continued investigative efforts, the identity of the deceased remained unknown, and the investigation remained unsolved,” the sheriff’s department said.

In 2023, the Sheriff’s Cold Case Homicide Team took over the case and submitted the remains for further DNA analysis.

The remains were eventually identified as Jill Maiorca, who had been reported missing in 2007. Authorities said evidence showed that Jill was murdered in November 2006 and that her remains were concealed beneath the property without the homeowner’s knowledge.

As detectives continued investigating, they identified Jeff as a suspect in her murder.

Jeff was taken into custody for murder on Sept. 21, 2026. Authorities released no additional details as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Malcolm Page or Sergeant Justin Giles at 909-890-4916.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to We-Tip by calling 844-909-3006, texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006, or visiting wetip.com.