On June 8, 2024, deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office conducted a welfare check at a residence on East Mettler Road near Lodi, California, after family members reported being unable to reach the occupants for over a week. Inside the home, deputies discovered the bodies of 69-year-old Kim Huynh, 60-year-old Joe Pena, and their 45-year-old son, Alfred Nguyen, all deceased from gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly led detectives to believe the incident was targeted, perpetrated by someone familiar with the family. To preserve the integrity of the investigation and prevent the suspect from fleeing, the Sheriff's Office chose not to disclose details of the case to the public during the initial stages.
On September 14, 2024, after several months of investigation, authorities arrested 25-year-old Steven Guerrero Jr. of Stockton. He was charged with three counts of murder, burglary, and firearm enhancements. Guerrero, who had a prior felony conviction from 2017 for assault with a deadly weapon by a prisoner and criminal street gang activity, was arraigned on September 17, 2024. During the arraignment, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas described the crime as "targeted, calculated, and vicious," indicating that the death penalty was being considered.
Authorities have confirmed that Guerrero knew the victims, though the exact nature of their relationship and the motive behind the killings have not been publicly disclosed. Sheriff Patrick Withrow emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime, stating it was not random but a targeted act of violence by someone acquainted with the family.
As of December 2024, Guerrero remains in custody without bail, awaiting further court proceedings. The case has underscored the commitment of San Joaquin County law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of violent crimes, with District Attorney Freitas affirming that such acts will be met with the full power of the legal system.
