A married California couple has been arrested and brought back to the United States in connection with the December 2025 killing of 37-year-old teacher Geoffrey Bernardi. Authorities say Misty Gomez was romantically involved with Bernardi while still married to Antonio Garcia. The pair were arrested in Mexico after an eight-month investigation into the fatal assault.
Teacher Found Severely Beaten Near California Canal
Bernardi was discovered badly injured near a canal shortly before 1 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2025. Police said he appeared to have been severely beaten and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
He died less than two days later, leaving his family and the local community shocked. Bernardi, who was approaching his 38th birthday, worked in career technical education for the Clovis Unified School District and was also involved in theater and performing arts.
According to his family, Bernardi had been dating Gomez for several months and apparently did not know that she was married.
Investigation Led Authorities to Married Couple
Investigators determined that the attack did not appear to be random. Police later identified Gomez and Garcia as suspects after examining evidence and communications connected to the case.
Bernardi’s mother, Erin Adams, said Gomez contacted the family after the assault and later appeared at the hospital while Bernardi was receiving treatment. Adams alleged that Gomez acted as though she was searching for answers about who had attacked him, while the family had already begun to suspect her possible involvement.
Authorities eventually tracked Gomez and Garcia to Mexico, where police say the couple had remained for months.
U.S. Marshals arrested both suspects on Aug. 19, 2026, after which they were extradited to California to face charges.
Children Remain in Mexico as Case Moves Forward
The case has also raised concerns about Gomez’s two daughters from previous relationships. The children, ages 9 and 12, were reported missing from Dinuba in April after Gomez left the country with them.
The girls are currently in the care of Mexico’s National System for Integral Family Development in Michoacán, while relatives work to bring them back to the United States.
Garcia, 40, and Gomez, 32, were initially held at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County before being transferred to Fresno County Jail. A criminal complaint accuses both of murdering Bernardi with malice aforethought. Bail for each defendant was initially set at $1 million.
The investigation and criminal proceedings remain ongoing, and the allegations against Garcia and Gomez have not been proven in court.
