Authorities in California have arrested a man named Jose Carmen Cardona in connection with a tragic house fire that took the lives of a mother and two of her children in Stockton last month. The suspect, who is an illegal immigrant, has been deported three times in the past, but managed to return to the U.S. anyway.
The victims of the deadly fire have been identified as 32-year-old Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, her 10-year-old son Juan Gutierrez-Salazar, and 7-year-old Julian Cardona-Gutierrez. The mother’s third son was able to escape the blaze. It is reported that Cardona, who was dating the mother but not the father of the children, allegedly set fire to their mobile home while they were all asleep.
Following the incident, Cardona fled the area, prompting a nationwide manhunt. He was eventually captured in Modesto, around 30 miles from the crime scene. The 59-year-old suspect has been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail and is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and child endangerment. Additionally, he could potentially face the death penalty due to special circumstances allegations of multiple murder, arson, and torture.
Cardona is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Monday and is currently being held without bail. The San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office is expected to provide an update on the case later in the day.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of illegal immigration and the challenges law enforcement authorities face in dealing with repeat offenders. It serves as a reminder of the importance of border security and effective immigration policies to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring in the future.
