Two-week-old baby Mateo among three family members stabbed to death in Modesto California home

A fatal stabbing in California has claimed the lives of three generations of the same family, including a two-week-old baby boy.

Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, 23, her mother Maria Sylvia Nunez-Villalobos, 54, and Gonzalez-Nunez's infant son were stabbed to death at a Modesto home on Thursday, according to the Modesto Police Department (MPD). The baby has been identified via a GoFundMe fundraiser as Mateo Gonzalez.

Officers discover victims with multiple stab wounds

Officers responded to the property just after 9:20am local time, where they found Gonzalez-Nunez suffering from multiple stab wounds.

They subsequently located Nunez-Villalobos and the infant, both also presenting with apparent stab wounds, according to authorities.

Both the young mother and grandmother were pronounced dead at the scene. Baby Mateo was transported to the hospital, where he died later that day.

Inside the home, police found an uninjured three-year-old child, who was taken to hospital for medical evaluation and placed in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). The toddler is believed to be the child of Gonzalez-Nunez and the suspect in the triple homicide, Joaquin Escoto.

Suspect arrested with help of SWAT and hostage negotiators

Police arrested Escoto, 28, on the same day as the stabbing, with assistance from SWAT officials and hostage negotiation specialists.

Authorities established a perimeter shortly after responding to the scene, believing Escoto had remained in the vicinity, and shut down nearby schools as a precautionary measure.

Escoto "was later located hiding inside a nearby residence and taken into custody without incident," according to Modesto police.

He was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on three counts of murder, special circumstance enhancements, and use of a deadly weapon. He also faced an outstanding warrant from the MPD relating to a prior drink-driving case.

Investigators believe all four lived together

Investigators believe that Escoto and the three victims all resided together in the home where the attack took place.

He is also believed to have been "involved in a relationship with Fabiola Gonzalez-Nunez, although the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation," police said.

It is unclear whether Escoto has retained legal representation. The investigation into the triple homicide is ongoing.

Police and family pay tribute to the victims

The MPD issued a statement expressing its condolences following the tragedy.

"The loss of three lives, including that of an infant child, is a heartbreaking tragedy," the department said.

"While a suspect is now in custody, detectives continue their investigation as the victims' families and loved ones face an unimaginable loss."

The family of the three victims has established a GoFundMe fundraiser in their memory. Nunez-Villalobos is described on the page as a "cherished" and "loving grandmother whose kindness and strength touched everyone around her."

Gonzalez-Nunez is remembered as "a devoted mother, daughter, and loved one who brought joy and love to those fortunate enough to know her," and whose "love for her children was endless."

Of baby Mateo, the fundraiser states: "Mateo was a precious baby whose smile and innocence brought happiness to everyone around him. They will forever remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten."