News

Amber Alert Suspect, Children Located in Modesto

Published

3 years ago

September 18, 2021

MODESTO – Police located a man and two children who were the subject of an Amber Alert out of Riverside County Friday night.

Nicholas Zeko was taken into custody by Modesto Police Officers around midnight. Zeko and the two children were found at the Tiki Lodge on McHenry Avenue, along with the vehicle authorities were searching for. The gold trim of the vehicle appeared to have been spray-painted white, with some paint staining at least one of the tires. The license plate was also removed.

An ambulance was called for Zeko to have him medically cleared. The man and two children appeared to have been staying in an upstairs room at the motel. Police taped off a portion of the parking lot and vehicle with crime scene tape. The children appeared unharmed.

There was no sign of 32 year old Mariela Costello, who authorities in Riverside County said was a previously unreported missing person in the case. Her out of state relatives grew worried when they did not hear from her.

Zeko told her relatives via text message that he had dropped her off in the area of Sunnymead Ranch Parkway and Village Road in Moreno Valley. Zeko was said to have taken her wallet and cell phone. He later told authorities the same thing.

Riverside authorities said Costello and the children have a protective order against Zeko, and that he was also wanted on several felony and misdemeanor charges including terrorist threats, battery on a former spouse, and willful cruelty to a child.

Mariela Costello is five feet, five inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. Her last known clothing is unknown. She has not been seen or heard from since September 16th.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at (951) 776-1099.

News

Woman Dies from Burn Injuries

Published

3 weeks ago

July 9, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Deputies investigate the scene on Robertson Road where a woman was found burned on July 4th. Photo by Gaby Muro.

MODESTO – A woman who suffered burn injuries at a Robertson Road home on July 4th died from her injuries, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Reported.

Firefighters with Burbank-Paradise Fire Department and Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputies responded to a home on the 1900 block of Robertson Road for a report of a person on fire. Arriving personnel found a woman who had suffered burns over 80% of her body. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance and later flown to a Sacramento burn center. The victim, identified as 52 year old Andrea Benning, died two days later.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and Fire Investigators responded to conduct an investigation of the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, the fire was contained to the area where the victim was found inside the home. Several people at the scene were also interviewed regarding what happened.

Authorities are still working to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466 or Crime stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Shooting Injures Two Men in Stockton

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police close off a roadway where two men were found shot.

STOCKTON – Two men were taken to a hospital after suffering injuries in a shooting Sunday night.

At about 10:18pm officers were called to the area Cemetery Lane and Harding Street for a report of two men shot. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.

A short time later a crime scene was located near the area of 10th and Ophir Streets. There was no suspect information available at time of publication.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Man Dies From Gunshot Wounds, Police Investigate

Published

2 months ago

May 17, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police officers investigate a shooting on Dijon Street on May 12th 2024.

STOCKTON – A 39 year old man died of his injuries from a shooting on Mother’s Day, police reported Friday.

The shooting happened May 12th at about 9:40pm. Officers responded to a report of a person shot on the 2000 block of Dijon Street. Arriving officers found the victim and began providing aid until medics transported him to a hospital for care.

On Thursday May 16th, investigators were notified that the victim died. No releasable suspect information or a motive was available Friday.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.