Woman killed, husband arrested in northern Stanislaus County
A call regarding a man who had been in a fight turned into a homicide investigation after authorities found the body of the man’s wife in a nearby orchard and his truck in a canal.
According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Roque Palomino, 53, of Riverbank was arrested late Monday on suspicion of killing his wife, Cynthia Palomino.
Deputies were called to the 9500 block of Victory Avenue, between Oakdale and Escalon, at 8:35 p.m. When the first deputy arrived, he contacted Roque Palomino, who had injuries to his face, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. When the deputy asked Palomino how he had been hurt, Palomino tried to take the deputy’s handgun, authorities said. The deputy deployed his Taser and took Palomino into custody. He later was taken to an area hospital. The deputy, whose name was not released, suffered minor injuries, said Sgt. Anthony Bejaran.
Investigators learned that Palomino had driven his truck into a nearby canal, authorities said. When deputies found the truck, it had been submerged. Investigators also learned that Cynthia Palomino had been seen with her husband earlier in the evening. The sheriff’s dive team and helicopter responded to help look for her. Deputies found her in a nearby orchard; she was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
A recovery service removed the truck from the canal. Authorities said it’s not clear why Palomino might have driven the truck into the water.
Homicide detectives processed the scene and interviewed witnesses throughout the evening.
Public records show Roque and Cynthia Palomino own Palomino Family Farms in Riverbank, and sold products at the El Cerrito Farmers Market in Contra Costa County. On Tuesday afternoon, Roque Palomino remained incarcerated with no bail set.
Investigators ask anyone with information on the case to call Detective Gregory Buck at 209-525-7103.
This story was originally published July 28, 2015 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Woman killed, husband arrested in northern Stanislaus County."