Joseph Badal, 5/12/2006

TURLOCK -- Name: Joseph Badal

Synopsis: Badal, 48, of Turlock was found at 8 p.m. on May 10, 2006, dumped in the 2400 block of Parkdale Drive. According to the Stanislaus County district attorney’s office, Badal met Ramon Guardado and a companion minutes earlier in the parking lot of a bar on Crows Landing Road. The three rode to a remote neighborhood off Hatch Road and Crows Landing, where Guardado pulled a steak knife from his pocket and held it to Badal’s neck. After a struggle, Badal was fatally stabbed in the chest. Badal was unarmed. He got out of his SUV and the men fled in it. He was taken to Doctors Medical Center where he died.

Motivation: Unknown

Suspect: Authorities arrested Guardado, then 22, and Monica Arias, then 21, in connection with in Badal's death. They booked a 16-year-old Modesto boy, later identified as Arias' boyfriend, on accessory to murder charges. He was held at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall, but no further information was available about him because he was a minor. Guardado told authorities he acted on impulse because Badal took a swing at him after arguing with Arias, according to a videotaped statement played for Arias' jury. Prosecutors said Arias was planning a carjacking that went wrong.

Status: Arias was found not guilty in December 2007. Guardado was convicted of first-degree murder in Dec. 2008. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 30 in Department 9 before Judge Scott Steffen. Guardado faces life without the possibility of parole. He is being held without bail at Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of homicide and other charges. To find current custody information and upcoming court dates, visit the In Custody Report (PDF).

Authorities ask anyone with information about this homicide to call Detective Jon McQueary at 525-7099 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can e-mail tips on the Crime Stoppers Web site, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

If you would like to submit photos of this victim or have other information to share, please email homicides@modbee.com.