A Utah man is accused of killing his children’s mother, setting her trailer on fire, and kidnapping their two children.
Authorities arrested Ricardo Trujillo Rojel, 29, on Monday on charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson.
The victim’s body was found in a burning trailer at Riverdale Manufactured Home Community, 30 miles from Salt Lake City.
Emergency responders arrived at the fire scene at 2:46 p.m. and discovered the woman’s body near the trailer’s entrance.
Investigators noted severe burns on her body, a puncture wound on her neck, and a gas can inside the home.
Amber Alert Issued
Officials suspected homicide due to the puncture wound and blood-stained jeans found near the victim.
At 5:15 p.m., an Amber Alert was issued for the missing children, aged 2 and 3.
Authorities said Trujillo abducted the children before fleeing the scene.
Around 7:30 p.m., a tipster reported seeing a man with two kids walking toward Hobble Creek Canyon near Springville.
Deputies responded, rescued the children, and arrested Trujillo, who resisted arrest and assaulted an officer.
Children Rescued
Blood was found inside Trujillo’s vehicle, and he continued resisting upon arriving at Weber County Jail.
Authorities confirmed the children were unharmed and placed in the care of family members.
Neighbors reported that the couple was in the process of moving out of the trailer on the day of the fire.
One neighbor told officials they heard the woman scream just before police arrived at the scene.
The couple planned to move to Roy, a city in Weber County, according to police reports.
Final Hours
Earlier that day, the woman visited a bank with her mother, who lived in the same trailer park.
While at the bank, Trujillo called the victim and told her to return home immediately.
She drove home after the call, and her mother never heard from her again.
Authorities believe she was killed shortly after returning home.
Trujillo previously served 180 days in jail for choking and punching his pregnant girlfriend in 2021.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and authorities are gathering additional evidence.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact local law enforcement.
Trujillo faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, arson, kidnapping, and assaulting an officer.
Officials are reviewing Trujillo’s past domestic violence case as part of the investigation.
The community remains in shock as authorities work to ensure justice for the victim and her children.
