An illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic has been arrested for the brutal murder of a family of four in upstate New York, raising questions about border security and immigration policies.
At a Glance
- Julio Cesar Pimentel Soriano, 34, charged with four counts of first-degree murder
- Victims: Fraime Ubaldo, 30, Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 26, and their children Evangeline, 4, and Sebastian, 2
- Suspect entered U.S. illegally through Puerto Rico using fraudulent ID
- Bodies found in burning home in Irondequoit, NY on August 31
- Soriano is a fugitive wanted for a 2019 murder in the Dominican Republic
Horrific Crime Scene Shocks Veteran Police Chief
In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Irondequoit, New York, authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant in connection with the brutal murders of a family of four. The bodies of two adults and two young children were discovered in their burning home on August 31, 2024, in what police describe as an unprecedented scene of violence.
“This was a horrific scene. In almost 32 years of doing this job, I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters, underscoring the gravity of the crime. The victims were identified as Fraime Ubaldo, 30, Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 26, and their children Evangeline, 4, and Sebastian, 2.
Suspect’s Illegal Entry and Criminal History
The suspect, Julio Cesar Pimentel Soriano, 34, was arrested on September 7 and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Investigators revealed that Soriano had entered the United States illegally through Puerto Rico, using a fraudulent New York state ID to move freely within the country. This revelation has ignited a fierce debate about the effectiveness of current border security measures and the potential dangers posed by individuals who circumvent legal immigration processes.
“It appears Mr. Soriano entered the island of Puerto Rico illegally and obtained fraudulent New York identification,” read the Irondequoit Police Department’s post. “With that identification, he was free to travel from Puerto Rico to the United States mainland.”
Adding to the concern is the fact that Soriano is a known fugitive from the Dominican Republic, wanted for another murder committed in 2019. This information raises serious questions about how a foreign national with a violent criminal history was able to enter and remain in the United States undetected.
Investigation Ongoing as Community Mourns
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the motive behind this heinous act. Multiple fires were set in the home, possibly in an attempt to cover up the murders. The attack’s nature, whether targeted or random, remains unclear, leaving the community on edge.
“When you murder innocent children, there is no excuse for it,” Chief Peters stated, reflecting the community’s outrage and sorrow. A makeshift vigil has been set up at the family’s home, as neighbors and friends struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
Illegal immigrant charged with killing New York family found in burning homehttps://t.co/ETI5LeLbkS pic.twitter.com/iiQYhU28Bz
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 15, 2024
Local officials have expressed their condolences and pledged full support to law enforcement to bring justice to the victims. “Our condolences go out to the family, their friends and neighbors,” Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans said. “I’m so sorry this has happened, but I want you to know that the Town Board and I will authorize anything that’s needed to our police department to collaborate and to use any and all resources to bring these people to justice.”
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the case has reignited debates about immigration policy and public safety. The shocking nature of the crime and the suspect’s background have left many questioning the adequacy of current systems to protect American citizens from potentially dangerous individuals entering the country illegally.
