Policía de Modesto arresta a sospechoso en apuñalamiento fatal de dos mujeres y un bebé

On May 28, 2026, shortly after 9:20 a.m., officers from the Modesto Police Department responded to a disturbance call in the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a 23-year-old woman suffering from multiple stab wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A subsequent search of the residence revealed a 54-year-old woman and an infant, both with apparent stab wounds. The older woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the infant was transported to a local hospital, where they later died.

A 4-year-old child was also found inside the home and taken to a hospital for evaluation and clearance. Officers quickly established a perimeter, believing the suspect was still in the area.

The Modesto Police Department's Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT, and Investigations Division responded. As a precaution, Orville Wright Elementary School was placed on lockdown, and students and staff were relocated to La Loma Junior High School, where reunification efforts were completed safely.

The suspect, 28-year-old Joaquin Escoto, was later found hiding in a nearby residence and taken into custody without incident. Police believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The investigation remains active, and road closures are in place as evidence is processed. The victims' identities have not been released.