Modesto triple-murder suspect pleads not guilty as grieving family packs courtroom
The man accused of killing three generations of a Modesto family pleaded not guilty Monday as dozens of grieving relatives packed a Stanislaus County courtroom less than a week after the triple homicide.
Joaquin Escoto, 28, appeared in custody Monday afternoon before Judge Robert B. Westbrook in Stanislaus County Superior Court. Escoto is charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of 54-year-old Maria Silvia Nuñez-Villalobos, her daughter, 23-year-old Fabiola Gonzalez-Nuñez, and 2-week-old Mateo Gonzalez.
Escoto entered pleas of not guilty through Deputy Public Defender Jennifer Trautman, who waived a formal reading of the charges. Trautman was not available for comment following the hearing.
About 30 people filled the gallery, most of them family members and friends of the victims. Several relatives quietly watched as Escoto stood before the judge in an orange-and-white-striped jail uniform and shackles.
The arraignment lasted only a few minutes. Escoto waived his right to a preliminary hearing within 60 days, and the case was continued to July 28 for an early case management hearing before Judge Dawna Reeves, who has been assigned the case for all purposes, including trial.
Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Dannica Molina said prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty.
“This is a capital case,” Molina told The Bee after the hearing. “We are doing an investigation to determine what, based on everything that we receive, our office deems to be the appropriate punishment in this case, whether that be life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.”
Complaint alleges premeditated killings
In a criminal complaint filed Monday, prosecutors said Escoto acted “intentionally, deliberately and with premeditation” in the killings of Gonzalez-Nuñez, Nuñez-Villalobos and Mateo.
The complaint charges Escoto with three counts of murder and alleges he personally used a knife during the crimes.
Prosecutors also filed a special-circumstance allegation accusing Escoto of committing multiple murders, which makes him eligible for either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted.
In addition to the murder counts, Escoto faces a charge of child abuse causing death involving Mateo and a charge of child endangerment involving a surviving 4-year-old found inside the home during the investigation.
Court records allege Mateo, who was about 1 week old at the time, was a particularly vulnerable victim.
The complaint also includes notice that prosecutors may seek to introduce evidence related to alleged prior incidents of domestic violence involving Escoto.
Family seeks answers, justice
After the hearing, Sofia Nuñez — the sister of Nuñez-Villalobos, aunt of Gonzalez-Nuñez and great-aunt of Mateo — said relatives remain devastated and are struggling to comprehend what happened.
“There’s no words to really explain the pain that he caused our family,” Nuñez said. “I just hope that God gives us strength to keep going.”
She said it was difficult to sit in the courtroom and see the man accused of killing her family. “I felt anger. I felt devastated seeing the person who did this to my family,” she said. “I can’t explain all the mixed emotions that I felt. It was very hard.”
The family plans to continue attending future court hearings. “We’re going to still be here in person, showing up every court date, showing support for my sister and my niece and my nephew,” Nuñez said.
She described her sister as the oldest of 12 siblings who became a maternal figure after their mother died. “My sister was like a mom to us,” Nuñez said. “She was caring. She would always cook for us. She was always there.”
Nuñez said Gonzalez-Nuñez was a joyful young woman with dreams and ambitions. “She had a whole life in front of her,” Nuñez said. “She had goals. She had dreams.”
The family also used the opportunity to push back against rumors circulating online about the case. “A lot of people are posting a lot of things,” Nuñez said. “We just want respect for their names.”
She specifically disputed social media speculation about Mateo’s parentage. “Both children are his,” she said of Escoto. “We just want respect for our family.”
Investigation continues
The killings occurred May 28 in the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue near Orville Wright Elementary School.
According to the Modesto Police Department, officers responding to a reported disturbance found Gonzalez-Nuñez suffering from multiple stab wounds. A search of the residence led investigators to discover Nuñez-Villalobos and Mateo.
Police arrested Escoto after locating him hiding inside a nearby residence.
Investigators have said they believe Escoto lived at the home with the victims and was involved in a relationship with Gonzalez-Nuñez, though the exact nature of that relationship remains under investigation.
The surviving 4-year-old was taken into protective custody.
The family has organized fundraising efforts, including taco sales, car washes and an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and support relatives affected by the killings.
“A lot of people are helping us,” Nuñez said. “It means a lot to us that the community is getting together.”
The case returns to court July 28.
This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Modesto triple-murder suspect pleads not guilty as grieving family packs courtroom."
