Police looking for homeless man in connection to murder and kidnapping

FRESNO – A homeless man is being sought by the Fresno Police Department in connection to a murder and kidnapping that happened Monday evening.

Police believe that 56-year-old Don Anderson is responsible for murdering Michael Weisser, 62, and then kidnapping his wife, Donna Weisser, 61. Anderson, a homeless man, had lived with the Weissers on and off for the last two years as part of their church ministry.

Don Anderson is wanted for murder in Fresno

Authorities were called to the Weissers’ home around 5:40 p.m. on Monday after Michael Weisser’s stepson found him face down in a pool of blood, Police Chief Jerry Dyer said. Weisser was found in the garage room where Anderson had been living. He was declared dead on the scene and appeared to have suffered from severe head trauma.

Police believe Anderson and Weisser got into some sort of confrontation, which led to Weisser’s killing. When Donna Weisser arrived at her home around 5 p.m., she found Anderson wielding a knife, police said. He demanded she give him money, and then made her drive him to the Selma area with the intent to buy drugs. During the drive, Anderson told Weisser that he had tied up her husband, police said.

At some point, Anderson decided to let Weisser out of the vehicle. He then took the vehicle and drove away, Dyer said. Weisser, who was not injured during the kidnapping, immediately called the authorities.

“The Weissers took Don Anderson into their home about 2 years ago. At that time, he was a homeless individual,” Dyer said. “As part of the Weissers’ church ministry, they took him into their home in order to help him out.”

When the couple took Anderson in, they knew he was on parole. However, they were unaware that he was a registered sex offender.

“I would caution people that before they decide to allow someone in their home, whether it is a person who is homeless or someone else they encounter, to make sure they know who that person is,” Dyer said.

Police have recovered the car that Anderson stole, but are still searching for the suspect. Anyone who has information on Anderson’s whereabouts is asked to call (559) 621-2441.

Read More:

Fresno Bee: Police seek homeless man after Fresno slaying, kidnapping

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