A tragic incident unfolded in Stockton, California, just days before Christmas, when a mother and her son were found brutally beaten to death in their apartment. The victims, identified as 43-year-old Alicia Montejano and her 19-year-old son Reuel Huerta, were discovered by Montejano’s daughter, who had not heard from them all day.
The suspect in the case, 38-year-old Julio Caesar Valdez, is believed to have left the victims in the apartment before fleeing the scene in a gray four-door sedan. Valdez, who was reportedly Montejano’s boyfriend, has been described as dangerous by the grieving family, who have revealed his history of past abuses.
While it remains unclear whether a restraining order was in place against Valdez, authorities have confirmed that he did not force his way into the apartment. The discovery of the bodies was made by Montejano’s daughter, Marissa Vigil, who called 911 late on Monday night.
Vigil, still in shock from the horrific scene, described her mother as someone who could always make you laugh and keep a smile on your face. She referred to her mother as her best friend. The family is now mourning the loss of Montejano and Huerta, who they say were “senselessly taken too soon.”
Huerta was found with a laceration, which is believed to be the cause of his death, pending further autopsy results. The condition of Montejano’s body has not yet been disclosed by the police. The family, unable to celebrate Christmas due to the tragedy, is seeking justice for their loved ones.
Huerta’s father, Raul Huerta, remembered his son as a kind-hearted individual who was passionate about his computer. He expressed his grief over the loss, stating that neither his son nor Montejano deserved such a fate.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for funeral costs, remembering Montejano and Huerta as individuals who brought joy to those around them and shared an unbreakable family bond. Meanwhile, the Stockton Police Department has launched a homicide investigation into the case and is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Valdez’s capture.