Fresno Police Chief Decries California’s ‘Weak Laws’ After Merced Kidnapping Murders

Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said “there’s a special place in hell” for the suspected killer of four kidnapped Merced family members after their bodies were found Wednesday night.

Warnke isn’t alone in expressing those feelings.

The horrific murders of 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri; her mother Jasleen Kaur, 27; father Jasdeep Singh, 36; and uncle Amandeep Singh, 39, have triggered widespread outrage over the crimes — and sympathy for their grieving survivors.

Related Story: Tragic End to Merced Kidnapping: Baby, Parents, Uncle Found Dead

The deadly brutality and senselessness of what violent career criminal Jesus Salgado, 48, is accused of inflicting on the young Sikh family triggered this visceral response from Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama.

“I’m furious! Completely senseless and tragic loss of innocent life. My heart breaks for this family,” Balderrama tweeted. “I pray justice can be served in this murder case, and those responsible be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Sadly, that’s not saying much w/ CA’s weak laws.”

I’m furious! Completely senseless and tragic loss of innocent life. My heart breaks for this family. I pray justice can be served in this murder case, and those responsible be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Sadly, that’s not saying much w/ CA’s weak laws. https://t.co/Gzl6Xvltcf

— Chief Paco Balderrama (@BalderramaPaco) October 6, 2022

However, some people said they were disturbed by law enforcement leaders criticizing California’s criminal laws in the wake of the murders.

“I wish all the pro law enforcement people would stop using this family’s tragedy as a political talking point against California’s laws. Maybe if you did your job and used all your budgets and gadgets we wouldn’t be in this situation. Let the family mourn,” tweeted Fresno attorney Aida S. Macedo on Thursday.

I wish all the pro law enforcement people would stop using this family’s tragedy as a political talking point against California’s laws. Maybe if you did your job and used all your budgets and gadgets we wouldn’t be in this situation. Let the family mourn. https://t.co/qTMUkctEbz

— Aida S. Macedo (@missaidamacedo) October 6, 2022

Salgado Taped Hands of Robbery Victims, Held Them at Gunpoint in 2005

Salgado’s rap sheet includes a conviction for first-degree robbery with the use of a firearm in Merced County and convictions for attempted kidnapping, attempting to intimidate a witness, and drug possession.

The lone suspect in the kidnapping is Jesus Salgado, 48. He is hospitalized after trying to commit suicide, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office says. (Merced County SO)

Thanks to the excellent reporting of CBS47’s Mederios Babb, it apparently was only a matter of time before Salgado turned violent again.

“(The) suspect accused of kidnapping Merced family was previously convicted for an oddly similar case,” Babb revealed. “I spoke with one of the 2005 robbery victims, who told me Jesus Salgado held him at gunpoint, duct taped his family’s hands, (and) told them ‘if you call the police I’ll kill you.’ ”

NEW: Suspect accused of kidnapping Merced family was previously convicted for an oddly similar case. I spoke with one of the 2005 robbery victims, who told me Jesus Salgado held him at gunpoint, duct taped his family’s hands, & told them “if you call the police I’ll kill you” pic.twitter.com/7PCuo3OCoG

— Mederios Babb (@mederiosbabb) October 6, 2022

The Merced community will grieve together with four nights of vigils starting tonight at 7 o’clock and concluding Sunday.

The vigils will be held at Bob Hart Square, 510 W. Main St., in Merced.

#New The community of Merced, @MercedSheriff and hundreds in the county will join in a vigil for the Singh family. We are all shaken, angered, and heartbroken by the evil act of violence. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/oSVX5i664H

— Alexan Balekian (@RealALEXAN) October 6, 2022

Related Story: Sheriff Shows Video of Merced Family Kidnapping. Relatives Plead for Tips.

Governor’s Office Responds to Murders

“The Governor and First Partner join Merced in mourning this senseless tragedy and hold the family, their friends and loved ones, and the community in their hearts during this painful time,” a governor’s office spokesperson told GV Wire’s David Taub.

“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is working closely with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office as they lead this investigation.”