Alicia Montejano, 43, a mother of three, and her 19-year-old son, Reuel Huerta, were found tragically beaten to death in their Stockton, California, home just two days before Christmas. The shocking discovery was made Monday night, Dec. 23, after police responded to calls of unresponsive people at a residence in the 2500 block of Belleview Avenue.
According to the Stockton Police Department, officers arrived around 11 p.m. and found Montejano and Huerta unresponsive. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have identified Julio César Valdez, 38, Montejano’s boyfriend, as the main suspect in the murders. Valdez remains at large and is believed to be driving a gray 4-door sedan.
While police have not officially confirmed the cause of death, information indicate that Montejano and Huerta were beaten to death. A gun was reportedly recovered at the scene and lacerations were found on Huerta’s body.
The tragedy came to light when Montejano’s daughter, Marisa Vigil, became worried after not hearing anything from her mother all day. Vigil went to the house to check on his family and discovered their bodies, immediately calling 911.
A family member told him KCRA 3 that the incident may have arisen from a domestic dispute involving Valdez. In the wake of this horrible crime, a GoFundMe has been established to support Montejano’s surviving children and cover funeral expenses.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that on December 23, 2024, the lives of a Mother and Son were senselessly taken from us too soon as victims of crime,” the fundraiser states. “Together, they brought joy to everyone around them and shared a family with an unbreakable bond. They will never be forgotten.”
The family asks for community support and emphasizes that no family should face such a tragedy alone. “Every contribution helps, no matter the size; Please consider helping give this mother and her son the send-off they deserve.”
Stockton police urge anyone with information about Valdez’s whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Stockton Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600 or visiting their website at StocktonCrimeStoppers.org.
As the investigation continues, the loved ones of Montejano and Huerta must mourn the loss of two lives taken too soon, united in their determination to honor their memory and seek justice.