STOCKTON, Calif. — The man arrested and charged with a Lodi triple homicide faced a judge for the first time Tuesday, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office said it's seeking the death penalty.
Steve Guerrero Jr., 25, from Stockton is accused of shooting and killing a father, mother and son. They were identified as 60-year-old Joe Pena, 69-year-old Kim Huynh and 45-year-old Alfred Nguyen.
The district attorney's office alleges Guerrero was committing a burglary when he shot and killed the three family members.
"Today, justice is in motion," said District Attorney Ron Freitas at a news conference after Guerrero’s arraignment. "This wasn't a random crime, it was targeted, it was calculated, it was vicious."
Guerrero faces three counts of murder and special circumstances for multiple murders, lying in wait and committing a murder during a burglary.
"These charges have a maximum punishment of life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty,” Freitas said. "At this time, we are seeking the death penalty."
Guerrero appeared emotionless in court Tuesday, largely looking down and only speaking when spoken to by the judge. When the prosecutor informed him the maximum punishment in this case is death, Guerrero responded with, "Yup, that's fine with me."
Family members of the victims were emotional in the courtroom as the judge read the charges. Guerrero's family was in the courtroom too, but they did not want to comment when asked by ABC10.
A criminal complaint filed Tuesday revealed Guerrero had a prior felony conviction in 2017 for assault with a deadly weapon by a prisoner and criminal street gang activity.
"Let us be clear: if you take a life in San Joaquin County, we will find you. If you kill a father, a mother, a son, an entire family in their home, you will be held accountable," Freitas said.
Guerrero did not enter a plea and is being held without bail. He’s expected to appear in court for further arraignment on Oct. 2.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Man arrested in Lodi triple homicide
