The monthlong search for missing California woman Isabel Lucas Velasco is now a homicide investigation after search teams located a body believed to be hers over the weekend, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said. Velasco was reported missing on Sept. 13, after being last seen the day before at a job site in rural Arroyo Grande.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, deputies, detectives and search and rescue units from San Luis Obispo and Fresno counties searched Highway 198, west of Coalinga, where they found a body. The remains were turned over to the San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s Office for identification.
Authorities announced two arrests in connection with the case. Alejandro Soriano Ortiz, 45, of Coalinga, described by investigators as Velasco’s former boyfriend, was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson, the latter tied to the alleged burning of the victim’s vehicle. His brother, Celestino Soriano Ortiz, 40, of Santa Maria, was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder and arson.
“The Sheriff’s Office Detective Division has worked extensively for the past month in an attempt to locate Isabel and hold those responsible for her disappearance accountable,” the department said in a statement. Sheriff Ian Parkinson thanked numerous agencies involved for their, “tireless dedication to solving this case and giving some closure to Isabel’s family.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detective Division at 805-781-4500.