MODESTO, Calif. — The nationwide search for a triple-murder suspect with Idaho ties is over after law enforcement reported the man was arrested in Modesto, California.
The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) on Tuesday said 59-year-old Jose Carmen Cardona was located and arrested. He faces three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one county of child endangerment.
As previously reported, the U.S. Marshals Office in June sought public help to find Cardona, who had family ties in Idaho. The Stockton Police Department said Cardona allegedly set a mobile home on fire where a woman and two children were found dead on June 25.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, 10-year-old Juan Gutierrez-Salazar and 7-year-old Julian Cardona-Gutierrez. The CSLEA one child survived after escaping fire.
Authorities said Cardona was in a dating relationship with the 32-year-old woman. According to Stockton Police, he was booked into the Joaquin County Jail for homicide following his arrest in Modesto.
"We would like to thank all our partners for their assistance with this case as well as members of the community who provided numerous tips through Stockton Crime Stoppers throughout the investigation," the department said in a news release.
Stockton Police said an investigation determined the suspect set the trailer on fire while the victims were sleeping inside. The fire occurred in the area of Visalia Court and Harbor Street. The CSLEA said "these allegations make Cardona eligible for the death penalty."
The case is still being investigated. Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209)-946 -0600.
