SANTA ROSA >> A Clearlake man was found dead in a ravine near Santa Rosa last week. Now Sonoma County officials are accusing three Clearlake residents of responsibility for his death.
Law enforcement officers located the body of Antonio Botello-Arreola on Friday. Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office believe he was killed by Maria Torres, her husband Rene Espinoza and son Rene Espinoza Jr.
Detectives learned that Botello-Arreola, 25, and Torres, 40, had been involved in a romantic relationship for some time. They reported that the affair was recently discovered by Torres’ husband and son.
Deputies helping with the investigation linked Botello-Arreola to a motel in Santa Rosa from material in his van. They confirmed this through surveillance video at the motel, which also showed Torres.
According to SCSO reports, Espinoza and his son allegedly trailed the couple after they left the motel on Friday morning. At a pullout on Porter Creek Road on the way toward Calistoga, Botello Arreola stopped the vehicle.
Law enforcement officials say that at this point Torres left the van. Her husband and son arrived, drove up next to the driver’s side window and fired at least one shot.
The victim reportedly ran from the van into the ravine. He was found dead after a passing driver reported the abandoned van.
Detectives alleged that Torres arranged the shooting.
