Teen witnesses tragic fire set by ex-boyfriend, killing mother and brothers

A California man, devastated by a breakup, broke into his ex-girlfriend’s father’s home and ignited a fire, tragically claiming her life and those of her two sons, ages 7 and 10.

Jose Carmen Cardona confessed to three charges of first-degree murder alongside charges of attempted murder, child abuse, arson, and vandalism, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office.

On the same day, he received a life sentence for the murders of Lizbeth Gutierrez-Salazar, 32, and her sons Juan Gutierrez-Salazar, 10, and Julian Cardona-Gutierrez, 7.

On June 24, 2024, after two years of relationship, Gutierrez-Salazar ended things with Cardona.

Following threats from Cardona, Gutierrez-Salazar went to stay at her father’s trailer in Stockton, California, with her three sons for the night.

The next morning, at 6:17am, the Stockton Fire Department responded to a fire emergency. Upon extinguishing the flames, the firefighters discovered the lifeless bodies of Gutierrez-Salazar, Juan, and Julian inside.

Her surviving son, aged 14 at the time, informed investigators that he had been asleep when a sound awoke him. He saw Cardona inside the premises.

"As he chased after him, he heard his mother’s screams and witnessed the home being consumed by flames," the prosecutors shared. "The fire also extended to a nearby house, resulting in further property destruction."

Days after the fire was classified as arson, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Cardona, identifying him as the culprit. Cardona was taken into custody on July 11, 2024.