
A 59-year-old illegal immigrant, Jose Carmen Cardona, has been arrested in connection with a tragic house fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children in California. Cardona, who had been deported three times, was dating the mother, Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, at the time of the incident.
The devastating fire occurred last month, killing 32-year-old Gutierrez-Salazar and her two sons, aged 10 and 7. The children were asleep in their mobile home when the fire was allegedly set by Cardona. Following the incident, Cardona fled the scene and was apprehended 30 miles away after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Cardona faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, child endangerment, and special circumstances allegations of multiple murders, arson, and torture. These charges make him eligible for the death penalty. Lasha Boyden, US Marshal for the Eastern District of California, described Cardona as a “violent offender” and expressed condolences to the victims’ family during a news conference on Friday.
“This horrific act of violence was felt by all not just in the Central Valley but across our nation,” Boyden stated. “I hope that the capture of this violent offender will bring some sense of justice to you and your loved ones.”
Cardona is currently being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp, California. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
The incident has reignited discussions on immigration enforcement and public safety, with many questioning how Cardona, despite multiple deportations, was able to re-enter the United States. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains in mourning over the loss of Gutierrez-Salazar and her children.