Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln expressed his determination to provide justice for the families of five victims killed in a deadly fire, following the arrest of Jose Carmen Cardona, a thrice-deported illegal immigrant suspected in the heinous crime.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln has vowed to ensure that the families of the five victims who perished in a devastating house fire last month receive the justice they deserve, following the arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for their tragic deaths.
Jose Carmen Cardona, a 59-year-old Hispanic male, was apprehended on Friday by the U.S. Marshal Service in Modesto, approximately 30 miles from the crime scene. The arrest culminated a nationwide manhunt initiated after police obtained an arrest warrant on June 28.
Stockton Mayor Demands Justice for Victims' Families After Arrest in Fatal Fire
Cardona faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and child endangerment, as well as special circumstances allegations of multiple murder, arson, and torture. These allegations make him eligible for the death penalty.
The victims of the fire have been identified as Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, 32, and her two sons, Juan Gutierrez-Salazar, 10, and Julian Cardona-Gutierrez, 7. A third boy, whose name has not been released, was the sole survivor of the horrific incident.
Stockton Mayor Demands Justice for Victims' Families After Arrest in Fatal Fire
Police allege that Cardona, the mother's boyfriend but not the father of the children, set fire to the mobile home where they were sleeping. Authorities have confirmed that Cardona had been deported three times and had illegally re-entered the United States.
Stockton police requested assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service in apprehending the suspect. The national manhunt ended with Cardona's arrest at a bus stop in Modesto.
Stockton Mayor Demands Justice for Victims' Families After Arrest in Fatal Fire
U.S. Marshal Lasha Boyden expressed her condolences to the grieving family and described Cardona as a "violent offender." She expressed hope that his capture would bring some solace to those who had lost loved ones in the tragedy.
Cardona is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Monday. He is currently being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp, California.
Stockton Mayor Demands Justice for Victims' Families After Arrest in Fatal Fire
Mayor Lincoln has expressed his commitment to providing justice for the victims' families. "We will not rest until the person responsible for this horrific crime is brought to justice," he stated.
The Stockton community has been shaken by the tragedy, and residents are demanding answers and accountability. The arrest of a suspect has brought relief, but the wounds inflicted by this senseless crime will take time to heal.
