Homicide Investigation: Two Arrested After Body Believed to Be Missing Coalinga Woman Is Found
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CA — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a press release providing an update on the investigation into the disappearance of Isabel LucasVelasco of Coalinga, now classified as a homicide.
Isabel LucasVelasco was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office on September 13th. Initial investigation determined that she was last observed at a jobsite in rural Arroyo Grande on September 12th. For the past month, the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division worked to locate LucasVelasco and identify those responsible for her disappearance.
Discovery and Arrests:
On Saturday, October 11th, a joint search operation was conducted involving the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue teams, alongside detectives. The extensive search focused on Highway 198, west of Coalinga.
During the operation, Search and Rescue personnel located a body, which authorities believe to be that of Isabel LucasVelasco. The body has been transferred to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Coroner Office for official confirmation of identification.
Following these developments, the case is now being investigated as a homicide, and two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Alejandro SorianoOrtiz, 45, was arrested on one count of murder and one count of arson related to the burning of the victim’s vehicle. His brother, Celestino SorianoOrtiz, 40, was arrested on charges of accessory to murder and for involvement in the arson incident. Alejandro SorianoOrtiz is believed to be the victim’s former boyfriend.
Sheriff Parkinson acknowledged the assistance of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, and also highlighted the work of the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Special Victim’s Unit (SVU), Special Operations Unit (SOU), and the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities state that no further information or comment is available at this time. The Sheriff’s Office Detective Division encourages anyone with additional information to contact them at (805) 781-4500.
