Authorities in California are investigating the death of a woman whose partner allegedly threatened to harm her 3-year-old son and attacked an officer shortly before his body was found. Lizbeth Arceo Sedano, 25, became inaccessible to her family and authorities when her partner, Joshua Gonzalez, was arrested after allegedly making threats against her son and attacking an officer. Watsonville, California, police said in a statement Sunday, August 4.
Police expressed “serious concerns” about Sedano’s well-being and asked for the public’s help in finding her. Her family reported that it was unusual for her to not respond to phone calls or text messages. According to Watsonville police, Gonzalez was outside the police department Saturday night when she allegedly called the dispatch center claiming “he was armed with a knife and was going to hurt the 3-year-old.”
He told the operator that the girl was his stepdaughter. Police informed SF GateWhen a first responder arrived and ordered Gonzalez to drop the knife, he allegedly “lunged” at the officer, prompting the officer to shoot him. Gonzalez was taken to a trauma center and the boy emerged unharmed from the incident.
On Monday, deputies dispatched to a location in Santa Cruz found a lifeless body, later identified as Sedano, the sheriff’s department said. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Police are investigating his death as “suspicious” and are working to determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not yet filed charges against Gonzalez, who was reported to be in stable condition after the shooting.
in a GoFundMe In a statement, Sedano’s family, who covered funeral expenses and financial support for her daughter, described her as “outgoing, loving, and most of all, a dedicated mother to her 3-year-old daughter.” The fundraiser stated, “Lizbeth’s death was tragic and our family will never be the same.” The investigation into Sedano’s death continues as authorities search for answers in this tragic case.