A homicide investigation in Utah has taken a troubling turn after police accused a man of killing his wife after offering to drive her to work. Authorities say the suspect is now on the run, and investigators believe he may have fled to California following the crime.
Utah Man Wanted in Wife’s Murder
Police in Saratoga Springs, Utah, are searching for 57-year-old Alvaro Jose Urbina Rojas, who is accused of murdering his wife, 43-year-old Jeusselem Elieth Genes Vitola. Authorities announced that Rojas is wanted for first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Investigators say the couple left their home together around 10 a.m. on February 26. Rojas had reportedly offered to drive Vitola to her workplace that morning.
However, Vitola never arrived at work, and the couple also failed to return home later that day. Their sudden disappearance raised concerns among family members.
Family Reported the Couple Missing
When relatives realized that Vitola had not shown up at work and neither person had returned home, they contacted police.
Initially, family members believed the couple might have been detained by immigration authorities and did not think they were in immediate danger.
Police then opened a missing persons investigation and began tracking the couple’s phone activity and vehicle movements.
Body Found Inside Camper Trailer
During the investigation, detectives learned that Rojas owned a camp trailer stored at a facility in Draper, Utah.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched the trailer and discovered Vitola’s body inside. Authorities later confirmed the case was being investigated as a homicide.
An autopsy revealed that the victim had suffered severe blunt force trauma to the head, and there were also signs suggesting possible asphyxiation.
Investigators also reported that her hands were bound with zip ties and a rope was wrapped tightly around her body.
Vehicle Spotted Traveling Across States
Authorities believe Rojas fled Utah shortly after the incident.
Investigators tracked the couple’s gray 2005 Toyota Sequoia through traffic cameras and other records. The vehicle was seen traveling through several locations, including Las Vegas, Nevada, before purchases linked to the suspect were recorded in California later that night.
Police now believe the suspect may still be somewhere in California.
Investigators Reveal Possible Motive
Court records indicate that the couple had been experiencing serious financial problems for about a year, which placed strain on their relationship.
Family members also told investigators that Vitola had recently told her husband she wanted a divorce.
Authorities say Rojas had become jealous and suspicious of his wife and had reportedly been following her.
Investigators believe he may have even tampered with her vehicle so it would not start, possibly forcing her to accept a ride from him to work.
Police Ask Public for Help
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to search for Rojas and are asking the public for assistance.
Authorities say he may still be driving a gray 2005 Toyota Sequoia with Utah license plate T409YB.
Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact local authorities immediately.
