STOCKTON, Calif. — Law enforcement authorities in Stockton are on the lookout for Julio Ceasar Valdez, a 38-year-old man suspected of fatally injuring a mother and her teenage son in their home on Monday. David Scott, a spokesperson from the Stockton Police Department, described the suspect as dangerous and possibly driving a four-door gray sedan.
On Monday night, officers were dispatched to an apartment on Belleview Avenue near East 11th Street following a report of two unresponsive individuals. Upon arrival, they found a 43-year-old woman and her 19-year-old son deceased, declaring them dead at the scene. According to Scott, this event appears to be an isolated incident within the residence, stressing that Valdez was acquainted with both victims.
Family members have identified the deceased as Alicia Montejano and her son Reuel Huerta. Confidential sources revealed that Valdez had been in a romantic relationship with Montejano and there had been incidents of previous abuse reported by the family.
Investigators at the scene reported that Huerta succumbed to lacerations which are believed to have caused his death, pending further autopsy results. The cause of Montejano’s death has yet to be disclosed by officials, who have also noted the absence of any forced entry into the apartment as well as the lack of gunshot wounds on the victims.
Autopsies are currently underway to establish definitive causes of death for both Montejano and Huerta. The police have yet to confirm whether there was a restraining order against Valdez or any record of prior police calls to Montejano’s residence.
The tragic finding was reported by Marisa Vigil, Montejano’s daughter, who called authorities late Monday after failing to make contact with her mother and brother throughout the day. Describing her mother as a “loving and accepting person,” Vigil shared her deep bond with Montejano, referring to her as her “best friend.”
In a heartfelt plea, Vigil has called on the community for assistance in locating Valdez to help bring closure to her family. She, along with dozens of community members, gathered on Tuesday night in a vigil to remember Montejano and Huerta, urging the public not to forget them.
“This incident has ripped a big piece out of our hearts,” said Vigil, emphatically. “We want this man caught.”
The Stockton Police Department is urging anyone with information on Valdez’s whereabouts or any details about the incident to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation and help apprehend the suspect.
As the community reels from this tragic event, the resolve to find justice for the victims remains strong, with calls for action echoing from bereaved family members and concerned citizens alike.