STOCKTON, Calif. — The search for a man accused of setting an RV on fire killing a woman and two children in Stockton is in its second day.
What started as a quiet night in Allison Paxton and her fiancé’s neighborhood was interrupted by a real-life nightmare Tuesday morning.
“He got up to go check on the dog and he was walking toward the patio, (he) saw the flames and immediately ran back in and woke me up, got the kids up. The fire was so close to our house that we thought we needed to get out immediately,” said Paxton.
But the Paxtons weren’t the only ones sleeping. Police said a woman and two kids were sleeping inside the RV near Visalia Court and Harbor Street when the fire started.
The three died in the blaze and police believe it was no accident.
“Our homicide detectives were notified and responded to that scene to begin their investigation. All our detectives, as well as our task force, are out actively looking for that suspect along with all our neighboring agencies,” said David Scott with the Stockton Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as 59-year-old Jose Carmona, also known as Jose Carmona-Estrada, Roberto Giron-Giron, Felipe Ramirez Leon, Juan Alonzo-Alemndares, Juan Alonzo, Jose Avilla Cardona and Andres Vecerra Torres.
Police said the three victims knew their suspect and the motive is still unknown.
Paxton said the crime being so close to home is both unsettling and heartbreaking.
“Just to know someone that crazy and deranged was just right over the fence 24 hours ago… it’s a very eerie feeling,” she said. “When I found out there were two children, it was just heart wrenching. We have two kids here ourselves, so it’s just heartbreaking.”
She’s now afraid for her safety, her kids’ safety and the safety of her neighbors.
The San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office said it will take them a few days to identify the three burned bodies.
Police hope the public will help them find the man. If you see him, do not approach him. Call police immediately.
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