Stockton- San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced defendant Jose Carmen Cardona, 59, of Stockton was arraigned and officially charged with the following:

3 Counts- PC 187 (A) Willful, Deliberate, Premeditated, Murder

1 Count – PC 273A (A) Child Abuse/Endangerment

1 Count – PC 664/187 (A) Attempted Murder: Willful, Deliberate, Premeditated

The Office of the District Attorney has also filed 3 special circumstances (multiple murder, arson, and torture). These allegations make Jose Carmen Cardona, eligible for the death penalty.

On June 25, 2024, at 6:38 AM, the Stockton Fire Department responded to a trailer fire at Visalia Court and Harbor Street. Firefighters found the bodies of Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar (32), Juan Gutierrez-Salazar (10), and Julian Cardona-Gutierrez (7). One child escaped and survived. Investigators concluded that the defendant, who was dating Lisbeth, was responsible. The children were not his biological children.

The next court date is August 19, 2024, at 8:30 AM in Department 8B. The defendant remains in custody with NO BAIL.

This investigation is ongoing with the Stockton Police Department and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.

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