Modesto Triple Homicide: Grandmother, Mother and Newborn Killed on Monterey Avenue

Modesto Triple Homicide Leaves Three Generations Dead

A heartbreaking Modesto triple homicide has left a Central Valley family grieving after a grandmother, a young mother and a newborn baby were killed inside a home on Monterey Avenue.

Modesto police say officers responded shortly after 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to a reported disturbance at a residence in the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue, near Orville Wright Elementary School. When officers arrived, they found 23-year-old Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez suffering from stab wounds. She died at the scene.

Victims Identified as Fabiola, Silvia and Baby Mateo

As officers continued searching the home, they found 54-year-old Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos, Fabiola’s mother, and a two-week-old infant. Maria also died at the scene. The baby was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. A family fundraiser identified the infant as Mateo Gonzalez.

The tragedy took the lives of three generations in one family: a grandmother, her daughter and her newborn grandson. Family members described Silvia as a loving grandmother, Fabiola as a devoted mother, and baby Mateo as a precious child whose life ended far too soon.

Young Child Found Inside the Home

Police say another young child was found inside the home and taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Reports differ slightly on the child’s exact age, with some outlets reporting the child as 3 years old and others as 4 years old. Police said the child survived and was later placed in protective custody.

Because the home sits near Orville Wright Elementary School, the school was placed on lockdown while police searched the area. Students and staff were later relocated to La Loma Junior High School as a precaution, according to reports.

Suspect Arrested After Search Near the Scene

Investigators identified the suspect as 28-year-old Joaquin Escoto. Police say officers later found him hiding inside a nearby residence and took him into custody without incident.

Authorities say Escoto and Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez shared a child. Investigators also believe the suspect and victims may have lived together in the home, but police said the exact nature of the relationship remains under investigation.

Escoto faces multiple murder-related charges, according to reports. Police also said he had an outstanding warrant connected to a prior DUI case.

Police Say There Is No Ongoing Threat

Police said the case appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives with the Modesto Police Department continue to investigate what led up to the killings.

The case has shaken the airport neighborhood of south Modesto, especially because it happened near a school and involved a newborn baby. What began as a disturbance call quickly became one of the most devastating Central Valley crime stories of the week.

Community Remembers Three Lives Lost

Family members, friends and community members have gathered to mourn Fabiola, Silvia and baby Mateo. Memorial images show candles, flowers, stuffed animals and framed photos honoring the victims.

For the family, the loss is unimaginable. A grandmother, a young mother and a newborn baby are now remembered through prayer candles, flowers, photos and a community left grieving.

The Modesto triple homicide on Monterey Avenue remains under investigation. Anyone with direct information should contact the Modesto Police Department.

Quick Facts

Case: Modesto triple homicide
Location: 1600 block of Monterey Avenue, Modesto, California
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Victims: Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, 23; Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos, 54; and baby Mateo Gonzalez, identified by family
Suspect: Joaquin Escoto, 28
School impact: Orville Wright Elementary School lockdown and student relocation
Police status: Suspect in custody; investigation ongoing
Public safety: Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public

What Is Confirmed

Police confirmed that officers responded to the Monterey Avenue home after a reported disturbance. Police also confirmed that two women and an infant were found with stab wounds, and that the infant later died at a hospital.

Police identified the adult victims as Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez and Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos. The family fundraiser and multiple reports identified the baby as Mateo Gonzalez.

Police confirmed that Joaquin Escoto was arrested after being found hiding in a nearby home.

What Is Not Yet Confirmed

Police have not publicly released a confirmed motive.

Police have not fully detailed the relationship dynamics inside the home beyond saying investigators believe Escoto and Fabiola shared a child and that the exact relationship remains under investigation.