In the quiet expanse of Rush Valley, Utah, a grim story unfolded, culminating in the tragic death of 29-year-old Rocio Banuelos-Bustamante. In late March of 2022, Banuelos-Bustamante was last seen getting into a car with two men, Carlos Sepulveda-Montes and Zamir Sanchez-Hernandez. This would be the last time her family saw her alive. Shortly after, in April 2022, all three were reported missing to various police agencies, sparking a prolonged and agonizing period of uncertainty for their loved
ones.
As the months stretched on, hope began to fade. By June 2022, confidential informants had delivered the devastating news to Banuelos-Bustamante's family that she was deceased and that they should cease their search. One informant chillingly disclosed that she was buried "up the mountain" somewhere. The family's worst fears were realized over a year later, on April 22, 2023, when cadaver dogs in training discovered human remains near the Mercur Trailhead in Tooele County. The following day, a grave containing three bodies was unearthed. Through DNA, fingerprints, and tattoos, the remains were positively identified as those of Banuelos-Bustamante, Sepulveda-Montes, and Sanchez-Hernandez.
The investigation into the triple homicide led authorities to Cesar Matias Sevilla-Aleman, a 26-year-old from Orem who was already incarcerated at the Utah State Prison for an unrelated shooting. A search of Sevilla-Aleman's cellphone data revealed that its location overlapped with one of the victims and placed him in the Rush Valley area on the morning of March 28, 2022. A witness later came forward, telling police that Sevilla-Aleman had spoken about Sepulveda-Montes owing him money. Unable to pay the debt, Sevilla-Aleman allegedly took the three individuals up a mountain, shot them, and then buried their bodies. Two bullets were recovered from the grave along with the victims.
