A man accused of participating in the brutal murders of an Irondequoit family of four made his first court appearance, where he entered a not guilty plea. This hearing comes after he and his brother were charged with multiple counts of murder and other serious crimes. While one suspect remains at large, the other faced the judge with visible signs of injuries reportedly from altercations in jail. Family members and friends of the victims were present in court, visibly shaken as they watched the accused stand before the judge.
Arraignment and Charges
The courtroom was filled with emotion as Julio César Pimentel Soriano, 34, appeared before the judge. He is accused, along with his brother, Luis Francisco Soriano, of the murder of their 30-year-old cousin, Jaime Ubaldo, Jaime’s 26-year-old girlfriend, Marangeli Moreno Santiago, and their two children, Sebastian and Evangeline, ages two and four. The Soriano brothers were indicted on charges of first- and second-degree murder, arson, burglary, and kidnapping. At the arraignment, Julio César Pimentel Soriano entered a plea of not guilty, maintaining his innocence despite the gravity of the allegations against him.
Luis Francisco Soriano, 31, remains at large and is actively being pursued by U.S. Marshals. Authorities believe he may be hiding in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, where search efforts have intensified. Both men face accusations of not only murder but also of setting fire to their victims’ home in an alleged attempt to conceal the crime. Their charges underscore the severity of the situation and reflect the scope of the violence perpetrated against the Irondequoit family.
Details of the Crime
The tragic incident unfolded on the morning of August 31st, when the bodies of Jaime Ubaldo, Marangeli Moreno Santiago, and their young children were discovered in the basement of their burning Knapp Avenue home. Firefighters responding to the blaze made the grim discovery of the family’s remains, leading to an investigation that would soon point to the Sorianos as the prime suspects. Prosecutors allege that the murders were premeditated and carried out with chilling brutality. In addition to charges related to the deaths, the suspects also face charges for arson, given that they allegedly set fire to the house where the family was found.
Law enforcement officials have described the murders as a heinous act, particularly because two children lost their lives. Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters addressed the media, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the crime. He noted that the incident has left a profound impact on the community and expressed sympathy for the loved ones of the victims. “Whenever you have a loss of life, it’s horrible,” he remarked, “and it’s especially devastating when it involves children.”
Suspect’s Condition and Jail Incidents
Julio Soriano, who has been held in Monroe County Jail since his arrest, appeared in court with visible signs of injury, specifically a swollen right eye. Chief Peters indicated that Soriano has been involved in several altercations with fellow inmates since his incarceration, which may explain his apparent injuries. His defense attorney did not comment on his condition or the charges he faces during the arraignment.
The presence of the visibly injured suspect underscored the high level of tension surrounding the case. With emotions running high both in and outside the courtroom, law enforcement has been vigilant, taking additional security measures to ensure the safety of all parties involved. The brothers’ alleged actions have stirred a profound sense of sorrow and anger among residents, many of whom knew the victims and are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Ongoing Search for Luis Francisco Soriano
The case remains open, as authorities continue to search for Luis Francisco Soriano. With the collaboration of the U.S. Marshals Service, efforts to locate him have expanded to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. As one of the Marshals’ ten most wanted fugitives, Soriano is considered dangerous, and law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. Posters with Soriano’s photo and details of his alleged crimes have been circulated widely, both online and in areas where he may be hiding.
The district attorney’s office has indicated that they will pursue the maximum penalties for both brothers if they are found guilty of the charges against them. Community members have expressed a desire for justice to be served, particularly given the young ages of the two children who lost their lives in the tragedy. For now, authorities continue their efforts to bring the remaining suspect into custody, hoping to provide some semblance of closure to the grieving family and friends of the victims.
Conclusion
The murder of this young family has left a lasting impact on the Irondequoit community, with many still reeling from the shocking details of the case. As the judicial process begins for Julio Soriano, the search for his brother continues, as does the community’s call for justice. This case, marked by its brutality and the vulnerability of the victims, underscores the importance of a thorough investigation and the unyielding pursuit of those who commit such crimes. For the families and friends of the victims, the hope is that, one day, they may find peace in the wake of this unimaginable loss.
