Update: Two women and an infant dead in stabbing attack in Modesto, police report
Two women and an infant died as the result of a stabbing attack in Modesto on Thursday morning, and a suspect was found hiding in a nearby residence, Modesto police reported late in the afternoon.
Officers were dispatched to the airport neighborhood at about 9:25 a.m. for a reported disturbance. Arriving on the 1600 block of Monterey Avenue, very near Orville Wright Elementary School, they found a young woman suffering from multiple stab wounds. According to a news release, she was “approximately 23 years old” and died at the scene.
A search of the home found two more stabbing victims: a woman approximately 54 years old, and an infant child. The woman also died at the scene, and the baby died at a local hospital.
A second child, estimated to be 4 years old, also was in the home. That child was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and clearance, the news release says.
As of Friday morning, police had not released the names of the three homicide victims, but a GoFundMe account set up by family says they grandmother Silvia Nuñez, mother Fabiola Gonzalez and the latter’s baby, Mateo Gonzalez.
The GoFundMe page reads in part, “The devastating circumstances surrounding this tragedy have left our family shattered. In a single moment, generations of love, memories, and dreams for the future were taken from us. As we grieve the loss of Silvia, Fabiola, and baby Mateo, we are trying to navigate the emotional and financial burdens that come with such an unimaginable tragedy.
“We are asking for help to cover funeral and memorial expenses, counseling and support services for the family, and immediate needs for those affected by this loss. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease the burden during this incredibly difficult time. Silvia was a cherished grandmother who loved her family deeply. Fabiola was a devoted mother whose love for her children was endless. Mateo was a precious baby whose smile and innocence brought happiness to everyone around him. They will forever remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten.”
Early on Thursday morning, officers set up a perimeter after receiving information that the suspect likely remained in the area. The Police Department’s Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT, and Investigations Division responded to the scene.
Wright school was placed on lockdown and, in anticipation of a prolonged police presence in the area, Modesto City Schools soon relocated the students to La Loma Junior High, about a mile and a half north. The Police Department said it worked closely with school officials to help ensure the safety of all involved.
Suspect Joaquin Escoto, 28, later was found hiding inside a nearby residence and was taken into custody without incident. Investigators believe Escoto shared a child with one of the victims, the news release says.
This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Update: Two women and an infant dead in stabbing attack in Modesto, police report."
