On June 25^th, 2024 at approximately 6:38 in the morning, the Stockton Fire Department responded to the area of Visalia Court and Harbor Street for a fifth-wheel trailer fully involved in flames. During the suppression of that fire, firefighters discovered the bodies of Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar (32 years old), Juan Gutierrez-Salazar (10 years old), and Julian Cardona-Gutierrez (7 years old).  One child was able to flee the fire and survived.  Homicide investigators with the Stockton Police Department and Arson Investigators with the Stockton Fire Department soon determined that the victims were killed in the fire and that Jose Carmen Cardona was responsible.  It should be noted that Jose Carmen Cardona was in a dating relationship with Lisbeth, the children were not his biological children.

On June 28, 2024, the District Attorney’s Office filed a 5-count arrest warrant for Jose Carmen Cardona.  A nationwide manhunt was initiated with the assistance of the US Marshalls Fugitive Apprehension Taskforce.  The San Joaquin County District Attorney, Ron Freitas is pleased to announce that yesterday, the manhunt was successful with the apprehension of Cardona in Modesto.

Jose Carmen Cardona is being charged with 3 murders, 1 attempted murder, and child endangerment.  The Office of the District Attorney has filed 3 special circumstances (multiple murder, arson, and torture).  These allegations make Jose Carmen Cardona, eligible for the death penalty.

On behalf of all law enforcement and fire suppression agencies involved, our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and family members of this horrendous crime.

The investigation of this crime and the apprehension of the defendant would not be possible without the unparalleled commitment of the men and women of the Stockton Police Department, Stockton Fire Department, District Attorney Bureau of Investigations, the US Marshall’s Fugitive Apprehension Taskforce, the California Department of Justice and numerous other Law Enforcement Agencies that provided assistance. 

The defendant will be arraigned on charges Monday afternoon.  The family of the victims have demanded justice…..The Office of the District Attorney is fully committed to ensuring they receive that justice.

You can watch the full press conference here: