A man suspected of committing a heinous crime by murdering a family of four, including two young children, in Upstate New York last year has been apprehended in the Dominican Republic. Luis Francisco Soriano, also known as Jefry Yevo, was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Service on June 4th, nearly a year after the tragic incident took place. Soriano, 31, had been wanted by authorities in Irondequoit, N.Y., a suburb of Rochester, on multiple charges, including four counts of second-degree murder and narcotics offenses related to the August 2024 killings. The suspect’s brother, Julio Soriano, is also facing murder charges connected to the case.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Luis-Francisco-Soriano-2-060525-0c73a8ba09cc42baa959a0de34db90d7.jpg)
According to reports, Soriano was arrested right after finishing his shift at a call center in a Punta Cana hotel. The suspect had attempted to evade capture by fleeing to Puerto Rico following the killings and then making his way to the Dominican Republic by boat. He had been listed on the USMS District of Puerto Rico’s Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives list since September 2024. The tragic incident unfolded on August 31, 2024, when emergency responders were called to a house engulfed in flames in Upstate New York. Upon searching the premises, the bodies of a father, a mother, and their two young children were discovered. The victims were identified as Fraime Ubaldo, 30; Marangely Moreno Santiago, 26; Evangeline Ubaldo Moreno, 4; and Sebastián Ubaldo Moreno, 2.
Local authorities revealed that multiple fires had been intentionally set around the house, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime. The suspects allegedly tried to cover up the murders by starting several fires. Julio Soriano, the brother of the main suspect, was promptly arrested in connection with the case. He faces a slew of charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and other felonies. Despite pleading not guilty, Julio remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail. The brothers have ties to the victims, according to reports. Luis is set to remain in Dominican custody while awaiting extradition proceedings, with no confirmation yet on legal representation for his defence.
Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, the U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico, expressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting its impact not only on local communities but across the nation. This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their loved ones. The unfolding details of this tragic event have shocked and saddened many, reinforcing the importance of diligence and collaboration in solving such heinous crimes. As investigations continue, the community awaits further developments in the legal proceedings against the suspects. Stay tuned for more updates as the case progresses.