CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Police make sixth arrest in the kidnapping and murder of Kearns woman

Mar 26, 2021, 6:40 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:22 am

KEARNS – Police have arrested one more person in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a Kearns woman last month, bringing the total number of suspects up to six.  However, investigators are tight-lipped about whether or not a big breakthrough has happened in the case. 

Cristian Morales-Gonzales was reportedly known as “The Mechanic,” according to the probable cause statement, and investigators believe he’s the one that was called to help dispose of Nicole Solorio-Romero’s body.  The statement says Orlando Tobar and the other suspects were seen inside the Tacos Mi Caramelo restaurant immediately after the shooting and Gonzales was called after it happened.

Surveillance video reportedly shows Tobar had left the restaurant with Gonzales, then they returned to the crime scene.

According to witness testimony in the statement, “Chaparro (Tobar) and Cristian left in a white truck with a trailer to go get rid of Nicole’s body.”

The Deseret News is reporting the arrest happened on the same day when several different police agencies, including Unified Police, searched the area along SR 73 in Tooele County south of the Tooele Army Depot.  However, investigators will not say if Romero’s body or any other significant thing was found.

Salt Lake County DA Sim Gill issued a statement, saying, “We are engaged in an active prosecution, having filed charges already. Thus we want to make sure everyone is afforded the due process that is their Constitutional Right. However, this continues to be an active investigation as such we can not comment in that it might compromise or impact those efforts in any way.  When, and if, circumstances change we will let you know.”

Having a high number of suspects tied into one crime has pros and cons for prosecutors. Attorney Greg Skrodas, who is not connected to this case, says there is a chance the investigation could get muddled with all of the suspects telling different stories of what happened.

Skordas “If you have five or six people, or suspect, they all might be pointing fingers at one another.”

However, with more suspects, Skordas says lawyers have a higher chance of flipping one of them into becoming a witness for the state.

“If you have two or three co-defendants in a case, chances are that one of them is going to want to sit down with the state and say, ‘Look, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life or the next ten years, or whatever, in prison,’” he says.

Gonzales was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for obstruction of justice, which is a low-level charge compared to what the other five suspects are facing.  Skordas says it’s common for prosecutors to try to sway defendants facing lesser charges.

“They might be the people the government would use to testify against the real killers.”

The Deseret News is also reporting Tacos Mi Caramelo is the same restaurant where two former employees allegedly tried to kidnap their former boss.

 

Other Articles:

Arrests made in likely murder of missing Kearns woman

Kearns woman reportedly kidnapped and murdered because she ‘knew too much’

Three more arrested in case of kidnapped and murdered Kearns woman

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Police make sixth arrest in the kidnapping and murder of Kearns woman