On May 29, 2026, in Modesto, California, Joaquin Escoto, 28, a Mexican national and illegal immigrant, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder.
He allegedly stabbed to death Fabiola Gonzalez, 23, a devoted mother, her own mother, and loving grandmother Silvia Nuñez, 54, and Fabiola’s 2-week-old infant son, Mateo Gonzalez.
A surviving child of approximately 4 years old was found in the home and taken into custody by Child Protective Services.
According to The California Post, California’s controversial state sanctuary law obstructed federal authorities who sought to deport him.
On the day of Escoto’s DUI arrest in June, which occurred in San Joaquin County, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials requested to be notified of the Modesto resident’s release from jail so they could deport him again, according to the official.
But San Joaquin law enforcement officials hogtied by California’s contested sanctuary law failed to notify the feds, and Escoto was set free, the official said.
“Safe to say, California law prohibited the jail from complying,” said the official, who shared police documents that substantiated his claims with The Post.
Now, less than one year after that request from ICE agents was ignored, Escoto is being held without bail on three counts of murder in the grisly knife slaying in Modesto of an infant and two women, including one with whom he allegedly had a child, according to police.
A GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral expenses, shares:
Our family is experiencing a heartbreaking loss that words cannot adequately express.
On May 28, 2026, three beloved members of our family was taken from us: Silvia Nuñez, a loving grandmother whose kindness and strength touched everyone around her. Fabiola Gonzalez, a devoted mother, daughter, and loved one who brought joy and love to those fortunate enough to know her and baby Mateo Gonzalez, an innocent child whose life was taken far too soon.
The devastating circumstances surrounding this tragedy have left our family shattered. In a single moment, generations of love, memories, and dreams for the future were taken from us. As we grieve the loss of Silvia, Fabiola, and baby Mateo, we are trying to navigate the emotional and financial burdens that come with such an unimaginable tragedy.
Hellbound and Down 