Arrest in Town of York Homicide

August 24, 2022
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

Detectives with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in the homicide of Dora Gonzalez-Zarate, age 39. Jose Luis Gonzalez, Sr., age 71 of Waterloo, was taken into custody in Delaware on Monday, August 22.

Dora was found deceased inside her town of York home just after 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 24. An autopsy conducted by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office the following day confirmed that Dora had been shot.

In the days and weeks following the homicide, detectives conducted hundreds of interviews with Dora’s family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Through those interviews, investigators learned of Dora’s relationship with Gonzalez, whom she met in August of 2021. Detectives were able to compile evidence showing Gonzalez was at Dora’s home the morning of the homicide. Several search warrants were conducted during the investigation, including a May 25 search where several firearms were seized from the suspect’s residence.

Just days after the homicide, Gonzalez left Wisconsin and traveled with his family to the State of Delaware. With the assistance of Delaware State Police, his whereabouts were monitored and when probable cause was established, Dane County detectives traveled to Delaware where they arrested Gonzalez. He has waived extradition and arrangements are being made for his return to Wisconsin. Gonzalez will face a tentative charge of First Degree Intentional Homicide. He is currently being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown, DE.

This remains an active investigation. Detectives continue to seek information from anyone who knew Dora and had contact with her in the weeks and days prior to her death. Information can be relayed to detectives by calling the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 608-284-6900.