Modesto Police Department

INVESTIGATION UPDATE:

The Modesto Police Department continues to investigate the tragic triple homicide that occurred on May 28, 2026, in the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue.

The victims have been identified as Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez (23), Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos (54), and a two-week-old infant. The infant’s name will not be released. Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez was the mother of the infant, and Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos was Fabiola’s mother.

Based on the information currently available, investigators believe the victims and the suspect, Joaquin Escoto, resided together in the home. Investigators further believe Escoto was involved in a relationship with Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, although the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation.

Escoto and Gonzalez-Nunez are the parents of the uninjured three-year-old child who was located inside the residence. Child Protective Services responded at the request of investigators and assumed custody of the child.

Following his arrest, Escoto was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on three counts of murder, special circumstance enhancements, using a deadly weapon, and an outstanding Modesto Police Department warrant related to a prior DUI case.

This remains an active investigation. Detectives continue to review evidence, conduct follow-up interviews, and work closely with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family, loved ones, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shortly after 9:20 a.m., officers with the Modesto Police Department responded to the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue regarding a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female, approximately 23 years old, suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As officers continued searching the residence, they located a second adult female, approximately 54 years old, and an infant child, both suffering from apparent stab wounds. The adult female was pronounced deceased at the scene. The infant was transported to a local hospital, where the child was later pronounced deceased.

An additional child approximately 4 years old, was located inside the residence and transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and clearance.

During the initial response, officers quickly established a perimeter after information gathered at the scene led investigators to believe the suspect remained in the area. The Modesto Police Department’s Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT, and Investigations Division responded to assist.

As a precaution, Orville Wright Elementary School was placed on lockdown. Due to the anticipated duration of the law enforcement activity, Modesto City Schools coordinated the precautionary relocation of students and staff to La Loma Junior High School. Students and staff were safely transported, and reunification efforts were successfully completed. Modesto City Schools provided updates to parents throughout the incident, and the Modesto Police Department worked closely with school officials to help ensure the safety of all involved.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Joaquin Escoto, was later located hiding inside a nearby residence and taken into custody without incident. Investigators believe the suspect shared a child with one of the victims.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Road closures remain in place in the surrounding area as investigators continue processing the scene and gathering evidence.

The loss of three lives, including that of an infant child, is a heartbreaking tragedy. While a suspect is now in custody, detectives continue their investigation as the victims’ families and loved ones face an unimaginable loss.

Officers responded to a reported assault in the area of Monterey Ave and Thrasher Ave, locating an assault victim. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are responding to take over the investigation. This is an active investigation and no other information will be released at this time.

Seeking our future Police Officers!

The Modesto Police Department is hosting a Police Officer Recruit - Physical Agility Testing & Selection Interviews on:

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

Ready to begin your law enforcement career? The Police Recruit position is a paid sponsorship to an upcoming police academy. Upon successful graduation, recruits are sworn in as a Modesto Police Officer.

o qualify for the testing process, applicants must have ONE of the following:
• A PELLET B Exam score of 45.0 or higher
OR
• An A.A./A.S. degree or higher (PELLET B may be waived with qualifying degree)

Application Requirements:
Applicants must apply for the Police Recruit position and attach:
• Official PELLET B exam results
OR
• A copy of qualifying degree/transcripts

🗓️ Application Deadline:
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Applications must be submitted by this date to receive an invitation to the testing process.

The Police Recruit position currently is offering a Hiring Incentive of $5,000 with an additional Military Hiring Incentive of $5,000 for Veterans.

Apply today by going to www.ModestoPolice.com and click on the “Join Our Team” tab.

Officers are currently investigating a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 1100 block of Crows Landing Road. Unfortunately, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries.

The Modesto Police Department Traffic Safety Unit has been activated and is responding to take over the investigation.

At this time, both northbound and southbound lanes are closed in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Want to drive real public safety impacts through data, trends, and proactive initiatives?

The Modesto Police Department is seeking motivated and analytical professionals to join our team as a Police Crime & Intelligence Analyst I/II.

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in public safety by identifying crime patterns, analyzing intelligence information, supporting proactive policing initiatives, and helping make data-driven decisions that impact our community.

Position Details:
▪ Full-Time Position
▪ Current Hourly Wage: $32.55 – $45.86/hour
▪ 3% Pay Increase Effective 07/01/2026

Additional Pay Incentives:
▪ Bachelor's Degree: +2.5% Education Incentive
▪ Master's Degree: +5% Education Incentive
▪ Longevity Pay: +2.5% at 10 Years of Service
▪ Special Assignment Pay: +5%

Competitive Benefits Package Includes:
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year + 8 Hours Holiday Credit
• Vacation Accrual Begins at 2 Weeks Per Year
• Incremental Vacation Increases Up To 5 Weeks at 21 Years of Service
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

OPEN HOUSE – LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POSITION

Interested in learning more before applying?

Join us for an informational Open House:

📍 Modesto Police Department
600 10th Street
Modesto, CA 95354

🗓 June 4, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Topics will include:
✔ Duties & Responsibilities
✔ Schedule
✔ Pay & Incentives
✔ Benefits
✔ Career Opportunities
✔ Position Expectations
✔ Question & Answer Session

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM

To apply and learn more:
www.ModestoPolice.com
➡ Click "Join Our Team"

UPDATE: One of the females has been identified. We are still trying to identify the remaining female pictured.

The Modesto Police Department Violent Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s help in identifying two females connected to an ongoing investigation. These individuals are NOT SUSPECTS - they are believed to be possible victims.

The tattoos pictured belong to two different females. If you or someone you know recognizes them, please contact Detective Ridenour as soon as possible at (209) 495-9844.

Your tip could make a difference. Thank you for supporting your community.

Modesto Police Department holding DUI Checkpoint on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Modesto, Calif. – On May 22, 2026 , the Modesto Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint May 22 from 6:30 pm to 1:30 am at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Traffic Safety Officer Cristian Avina said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

Modesto Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational ma*****na are legal, driving under the influence of ma*****na is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.