On November 30, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Cal Fire responded to a structure fire on the 22000 block of Kraft Avenue in Corning, California. Upon extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered the body of 40-year-old Raquel Luz Hernandez Arcos inside the residence. The Tehama County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
An autopsy conducted on December 3 revealed that Arcos had died from a gunshot wound prior to the fire. Investigators determined that the fire had been intentionally set using an accelerant, suggesting an attempt to conceal the crime.
Detectives identified 25-year-old Carlos Alberto Perez as a suspect in the case. They learned that Perez had been stalking Arcos for several months leading up to her death. On November 30, Perez reportedly arrived at Arcos's home, shot her, and then set the house on fire to destroy evidence. He was arrested on December 4 and charged with murder. At the time of his arrest, Perez was found in possession of an unserialized firearm, commonly known as a "ghost gun," which he admitted to using in the murder.
Perez appeared in Tehama County Superior Court on December 10, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson. He remains in custody at the Tehama County Jail on a $1 million bail.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact Detective Corry with the Tehama County Major Crimes Unit at (530) 529-7920.
