News

Vigil Held for Fire Victims

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2021

MODESTO – A vigil was held in front of a home where two residents lost their lives in a fire Wednesday morning and three others were injured.

At least a couple hundred people attended the vigil, where those who knew the victims placed flowers, candles and balloons at the home where a fire consumed a home Wednesday morning. Some played music while others prayed.

Maria Elena Cabrera and her son Marcos Garcia died in the fire. Witnesses reported Cabrera ran back into the home during the fire after her son didn’t exit. Cabrera’s husband and two younger children managed to escape. Two of them were airlifted by helicopter to burn centers, the third was treated on scene by medical personnel. (Our previous article incorrectly reported three children were injured in the fire. The correct information is two children and one adult.)

The fire happened shortly after 7:00am on El Sereno Street in the Rancho Encantado neighborhood in South Modesto. Fire crews found heavy fire and smoke conditions on arrival, and upon learning about trapped residents requested a second alarm for more resources. Rescue strategies were executed, using ladders and making entry through windows.

Ammunition found in the home along with aerosol containers complicated the situation for fire crews trying to bring the situation under control according to Modesto Fire Chief Alan Ernst.

Investigators with the Modesto Police Department, Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit and other agencies were on scene examining the home well into Wednesday afternoon. Early reports indicated several callers reported fireworks going off around the time of the fire, but that has yet to be determined.

Those in attendance Wednesday said Marcos was a car detailer and was well liked by the neighbors. The family was described as hard working. Videos posted to Marcos’ instagram account the evening before showed his skills and attention to detail while cleaning the interior of a customer’s vehicle.

Several fundraiser accounts were established to aid the victims for their needs. Those interested in supporting can visit the following links for more information.

Ayuda para la familia de Malena Cabrera

The Garcia Family

Malena Cabrera y Marcos Garcia

News

Woman Dies from Burn Injuries

Published

2 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.