Body thought to be missing Fresno County woman found, 2 brothers arrested
A body believed to be the Coalinga woman who went missing in San Luis Obispo County a month ago was found on Saturday in rural Fresno County in a case that’s now being called a homicide.
Two brothers have also been arrested in connection with the woman’s disappearance and death.
Isabel Lucas Velasco, 50, was reported missing in SLO County on Sept. 13, under what the SLO County Sheriff’s Office described at the time as “suspicious circumstances.”
She was last seen at a jobsite in rural Arroyo Grande on Sept. 12, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Monday.
After a monthlong investigation, including an extensive search of Highway 198 west of Coalinga and tracking two suspect cars seen in the area, the SLO County and Fresno County Sheriff’s Offices located a body believed to be Lucas Velasco, the news release said.
The identity of the body is being confirmed by the SLO County Sheriff’s Coroner Office.
Alejandro Soriano Ortiz, 45, also of Coalinga was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson, in connection with the burning of Lucas Velasco’s car. He is believed to be her ex-boyfriend.
His brother, Celestino Soriano Ortiz, 40, of Santa Maria was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to both the alleged murder and the arson incident.
“We want to thank the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance,” SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson said in the news release. “ I also want to highlight the amazing work of our Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Special Victim’s Unit, Special Operations Unit and the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit for their tireless dedication to solving this case and giving some closure to Isabel’s family.” The case is still under active investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM.
