A devastating and violent incident in Modesto, California left two women and an infant dead following a reported stabbing attack inside a residential home near Monterey and Thrasher Avenues. Authorities confirmed that a fourth victim, a 4-year-old child, survived the attack and was transported to a hospital for treatment, while the suspected attacker was later found hiding in a nearby residence and taken into custody.
According to the Modesto Police Department, officers responded to the home shortly after 9:20 a.m. on Thursday morning after receiving a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a 23-year-old woman suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, she was pronounced dead at the location.
As officers continued to search the residence for additional victims, they made a second and even more disturbing discovery. Inside the home, they located a 54-year-old woman and an infant, both also suffering from stab wounds. The 54-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the infant was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from their injuries. A 4-year-old child was also found inside the home and transported for medical care.
Officials described the scene as deeply traumatic for responding officers and investigators. Lieutenant Eric Schuller of the Modesto Police Department stated, “This is a tragedy. Words cannot express how terrible this incident is,” reflecting the shock felt by law enforcement and the wider community.
Following the attack, police launched an extensive search for the suspect. The individual was later identified as 28-year-old Joaquin Escoto. Authorities said he was found hiding inside a nearby home and was taken into custody without further incident. Investigators believe Escoto shared a child with one of the victims, a detail that has become part of the ongoing investigation into the motive behind the attack.
Family members of the victims spoke to local media, expressing overwhelming grief and disbelief. One relative, Javier, confirmed that multiple family members had been killed, including his aunt, her daughter, and her young son. He described the infant victim as only a few weeks old, emphasizing the unimaginable loss suffered by the family.
While processing the scene, investigators worked to secure the area and gather evidence from the home. Law enforcement later stated that the attack appears to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. However, detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, including the relationship between the suspect and the victims.
The violent nature of the incident also led to precautionary safety measures in the surrounding community. Orville Wright Elementary School, located nearby, was placed on lockdown shortly after police activity intensified in the area. School officials informed parents and staff that the lockdown was a precaution while law enforcement secured the neighborhood. Students and employees were reported safe throughout the situation.
Due to the proximity of the crime scene, Modesto City Schools temporarily relocated students and staff to La Loma Junior High School as a safety measure. Authorities later confirmed that reunification procedures were successfully completed and that all students were safely returned to their guardians.
Road closures were also implemented in the surrounding area, including partial closures along Monterey and Empire Avenues, as investigators continued their work at the scene.
As the community processes this tragic event, law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the motive and circumstances that led to the attack. The case has left Modesto residents shaken, with many expressing grief and disbelief over the loss of three lives, including a very young infant.
Authorities have reaffirmed that while the investigation remains active, there is no ongoing threat to public safety as the suspect remains in custody.