Witness sought in November stabbing death in Empire

EMPIRE -- Stanislaus County Sheriff’s detectives are looking for a woman they believe is a witness in the November stabbing death of an Empire man.

Investigators want to talk to Lisa Marie Taylor, Sgt. Anthony Bejaran said.

“She’s just a witness,” Bejaran said. “We know she was at the scene and we need to talk to her.”

Manuel Francisco Chavez was stabbed to death inside his South Abbie Street home Nov. 4 after an argument with a man, authorities said at the time. They later identified Sean Michael Bachman, 28, of Manteca as a “person of interest in the case”.

Bachman was arrested a few days after the stabbing for a parole violation, but no longer remains in custody, records show.

Taylor, 28, is described as white, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 180 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair.

Authorities ask anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact CrimeStoppers at at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at www.modestopolice.com/ crimestoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing “Tip704” plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.