Stockton Mayor Vows Justice for Victims' Families in Arrest of Suspect in Deadly Fire

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln expressed relief over the arrest of a thrice-deported illegal immigrant suspected in the arson that claimed the lives of a mother and two of her children. The suspect, Jose Carmen Cardona, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and child endangerment, along with special circumstances allegations that make him eligible for the death penalty.

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln expressed relief over the arrest of a suspect in the deadly fire that killed a mother and two of her children, saying that he wants the victims' families to have "the justice they deserve."

Stockton Mayor Vows Justice for Victims' Families in Arrest of Suspect in Deadly Fire

Cardona, 59, was arrested Friday morning and has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and child endangerment, as well as special circumstances allegations of multiple murder, arson, and torture, which make him eligible for the death penalty.

"This is a case that has shocked our community and our nation," Lincoln said in a statement. "I want to thank the Stockton Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service for their hard work in apprehending this suspect. I also want to express my deepest condolences to the victims' families. This is a time of unimaginable grief, and we are here to support you."

Stockton Mayor Vows Justice for Victims' Families in Arrest of Suspect in Deadly Fire

The victims have been identified as Lisbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, 32, and her two sons, Juan Gutierrez-Salazar, 10, and Julian Cardona-Gutierrez, 7. A third boy, whose name was not immediately released, is the only one who escaped the fire.

Cardona was dating the mother, but he was not the father of the children, police said.

Stockton Mayor Vows Justice for Victims' Families in Arrest of Suspect in Deadly Fire

According to a source with knowledge of the investigation, Cardona has been deported three times and returned to the U.S. anyway.

"This is a reminder that our immigration system is broken," Lincoln said. "We need to do more to secure our borders and keep criminals out of our country."

Stockton Mayor Vows Justice for Victims' Families in Arrest of Suspect in Deadly Fire

Cardona fled the area after the fire, and police requested help from the U.S. Marshal Service after obtaining an arrest warrant on June 28. A nationwide manhunt came to an end Friday with his capture in Modesto, about 30 miles away from the crime scene.

"I'm grateful that this suspect has been apprehended," Lincoln said. "I hope that his arrest will bring some measure of comfort to the victims' families."

Cardona is due in court Monday for arraignment. In the meantime, he's being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp, California.