In the early morning hours of September 5, 2021, the life of 38-year-old Rebecca Felix Soto was tragically cut short in Tucson, Arizona. Her body was discovered near a set of railroad tracks after police were called to a residence for reports of 'unknown trouble' around 1 a.m. Responding officers found Soto with evident signs of trauma, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into her death quickly unfolded, revealing a violent sequence of events that began with an
argument. Authorities learned that Soto had been involved in a dispute with Anthony Salcido Jr., 31, at a home on East Palmdale Street. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after the argument began. Before police could arrive, Salcido Jr. had already fled the residence.
The investigation further uncovered that after the shooting, Salcido Jr. was seen with his father, Anthony Salcido Sr., 53, pushing a wheelbarrow away from the home with what appeared to be a body wrapped inside. A witness saw them return without the wheelbarrow, and when questioned, the younger Salcido claimed they were just 'throwing out trash.' This witness later discovered Soto's body and alerted the authorities.
Within a couple of hours, around 3 a.m., police located and detained both Anthony Salcido Jr. and his father without incident as they were leaving a different location. The subsequent investigation led to charges against both men. Anthony Salcido Jr. was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a dead body. His father, Anthony Salcido Sr., faced charges of concealment of a dead body, being a prohibited possessor, and tampering with evidence. The motive behind the murder appeared to be retaliation, as Salcido Sr. told investigators that he and his son believed Soto had arranged for Salcido Jr. to be robbed.
Ultimately, both men were sentenced for their roles in the death of Rebecca Felix Soto. Anthony Ray Salcido Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He also received a seven-year probation sentence for a plea on a charge of possession of a dangerous drug for sale, to be served after his release. Anthony Salcido Sr. pleaded guilty to first-degree hindering of prosecution and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
