Community supports grieving family after triple homicide
By Esteban Reynoso
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MODESTO, California (KCRA) — The Modesto community is rallying to support the Nuñez family after three members of their family were killed on Thursday. The victims include 23-year-old Fabiola Gonzalez-Nuñez, her 11-day-old son Mateo Escoto Gonzalez, and her mother, 54-year-old Maria Sylvia Nuñez-Villalobos.
Homeland Security confirmed that the suspect, Joaquin Escoto Vasquez, had previously been deported and re-entered the country illegally. Vasquez, who is accused of the murders and a prior DUI, appeared in court Monday morning and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court in late July.
As the case unfolds, the Nuñez family is grieving the loss of their loved ones. On McHenry Avenue, a major street in Modesto, friends and supporters gathered to sell tacos and sodas to raise funds for the family.
“It’s not just good, it’ll help the family, and I think it’s awesome everyone is out supporting the family,” said Leiana Bailey, a Modesto resident.
Joel Garcia, a Modesto content creator, shared his thoughts on the community’s efforts.
“Now, to see the support, all the people coming by. It’s pretty awesome, it just shows you how much we can get together and support the community,” he said.
The fundraiser featured $2 tacos and drinks, with proceeds going directly to the Nuñez family.
“Thursday was a wild day. It was shocking for the whole community,” Garcia said.
Sofia Nuñez-Villalobos, the sister of Maria and aunt to Fabiola, expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her nephew Mateo, whom she had been excited to watch grow up.
“Angry. Angry that you’re in front of the person who took the life of your sister, niece and nephew—and you can’t do anything,” Nuñez-Villalobos said.
She added that her family learned about Vasquez’s criminal history on Monday morning. While he was the father of the newest member of their family, she said the focus should remain on the victims.
“We don’t care right now if he was an immigrant, if he did this, we care about what he did to our family. We want respect, we want respect for their names,” Nuñez-Villalobos said.
She also shared her faith in divine justice. “I know God is the only one that will give him what he deserves and punish him the way he deserves,” she said.
The family plans to continue fundraising efforts with a car wash near their home on Tuesday and another taco sale on Wednesday. They welcome anyone who wishes to support their cause.
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