Charges Filed Against Suspect in Kidnapping and Murders of California Family

Prosecutors in Merced County, California charged Jesus Manuel Salgado Monday with four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances following the quadruple murder of a California family.

According to a press release from the Office of the Merced County District Attorney, the special circumstances allege that the murders were committed during the commission of a kidnapping. Salgado, 48, is also charged with arson and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Salgado reportedly tried to kill himself the day following the murders, before he was arrested. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Salgado’s brother, Alberto Salgado, has also been arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence.

Eight-month-old Aroohi Dheri and her parents, 27-year-old Jasleen Kaur and 36-year-old Jasdeep Singh were kidnapped last Monday from their business, Unison Trucking, in Merced County. Jasdeep’s brother, 39-year-old Amandeep, was also kidnapped at gunpoint.

Their bodies were found late Wednesday on an almond farm in Dos Palos, about 20 miles north of where they were kidnapped. Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke believes the family was killed before their families reported them missing.

Salgado was allegedly fired from the family’s company over one year ago. He reportedly sent multiple text messages and emails stating he was owed money by the family’s company.

If convicted, Salgado will be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors have not decided whether they will pursue the death penalty in this case, according to the Fresno Bee.

A GoFundMe campaign was created by Jaspreet Kaur, the wife of Amandeep Singh to help their extended family with funeral costs and to support Amandeep and Jasdeep’s elderly parents. As of Wednesday afternoon, donations have reached just shy of $400,000 of the $500,000 goal.