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 contact the occupants for over a week. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a tragic scene: three individuals—69-year-old Kim Huynh, her husband, 60-year-old Joe Pena, and their son, 45-year-old Alfred Nguyen—had been fatally shot.
The investigation quickly led detectives to believe that the incident was targeted and that the victims were acquainted with the perpetrator. To preserve the integrity of the investigation and prevent the suspect from fleeing, the Sheriff's Office initially withheld information about the homicides from the public.
After several months of meticulous investigation, authorities arrested 25-year-old Steven Guerrero Jr. of Stockton on September 14, 2024. Guerrero was charged with three counts of murder, burglary, and firearm enhancements. During his arraignment, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas described the crime as "targeted, calculated, and vicious," emphasizing that such acts of violence would be met with the full force of the law.
Guerrero's criminal history includes a 2017 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon by a prisoner and involvement in criminal street gang activity. Given the severity of the charges, the District Attorney's Office indicated that they are considering pursuing the death penalty. Guerrero is currently being held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 2, 2024.
The tragic deaths of Kim Huynh and her family have deeply affected the Lodi community, leaving friends and neighbors in mourning as they seek justice for the victims. The case underscores the commitment of local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and prosecute such heinous crimes to ensure community safety.
