Central Valley Weekly News: Modesto Triple-Fatal Stabbing, Bakersfield Double Homicide, Fresno Officer Arrest & More | May 25-29, 2026

This week’s top Central Valley stories include:Modesto Triple-Fatal StabbingModesto police investigated one of the most heartbreaking stories of the week after two women and an infant were found stabbed to death near Orville Wright Elementary School. Police arrested 28-year-old Joaquin Escoto, and the case remains an active homicide investigation.Source: https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/article315925390.htmlEast Bakersfield Double HomicideKern County deputies responded to reports of a shooting on Eucalyptus Drive in east Bakersfield and found two adult men dead. Homicide detectives are investigating, and questions remain about the property connected to the case.Source: https://www.turnto23.com/news/in-your-neighborhood/bakersfield/double-homicide-investigated-in-east-bakersfieldFresno Police Officer ArrestedA Fresno police officer, identified as Efren Lopez, was arrested on domestic violence-related allegations. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office handled the arrest, and Fresno police placed Lopez on administrative leave while the case and internal review move forward.Source: https://abc30.com/post/fresno-police-officer-arrested-domestic-violence-charges-deputies-say/19189194/Empire School Staffer ArrestedA paraprofessional assigned to Alice Stroud Elementary School in Empire was arrested on child sex-related charges. Authorities identified the employee as Sheila Tierra Ochoa. Because the case involves a minor, officials have limited the information released publicly.Source: https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/article315916093.htmlThree Killed in Highway 99 Crash Near GoshenThree Tulare residents were killed in a single-car crash along Highway 99 near Goshen on Memorial Day. CHP said the vehicle veered off the road and overturned multiple times. One passenger survived with minor injuries.Source: https://abc30.com/post/3-people-killed-single-car-crash-tulare-county-identified/19181498/Merced Man Killed by Amtrak Train While Riding ScooterA Merced man riding an electric scooter was hit and killed by an Amtrak train near Glen and Santa Fe avenues. Family and friends identified him as Richard Candy Luvian, and a memorial formed near the crash site.Source: https://abc30.com/post/man-hit-killed-amtrak-scooter-merced-officials-say/19175384/Ceres SWAT Arrest After Alleged ThreatsCeres police said a SWAT team arrested Rafael Echeverria after a domestic violence investigation involving alleged threats with a firearm. Police said the victim escaped and contacted officers. The case includes several serious allegations.Source: https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/article315886122.htmlClovis Rezoning Battle AdvancesThe Clovis Planning Commission advanced an infill rezoning plan affecting about 54 acres across 20 parcels. Supporters point to housing requirements, while some residents raised concerns about traffic, density, parks, crime, and neighborhood changes.Source: https://abc30.com/post/clovis-planning-commission-approves-infill-rezoning-program-despite-community-opposition/19191059/Amazon Mega-Warehouse Confirmed for West FresnoAmazon confirmed it will operate in a large warehouse project under construction near Marks and Nielsen avenues in west Fresno. Supporters point to jobs and economic growth, while critics continue to raise concerns about truck traffic, air quality, and industrial development.Source: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article315816662.htmlFor more Central Valley news, local crime updates, food features, business stories, events, and community coverage, visit centralvalleyentertainment.com.