Merced family kidnapping: ‘We want those criminals behind bars’
MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The brother of a man accused of kidnapping and killing a Merced family of four, Alberto Salgado was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading no contest to criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence.
“It’s not going to bring my family back but we want those criminals behind bars so they can’t hurt any other family the way they’ve hurt our family,” said Sukhdeep Sing Dheri, the victim’s brother.
In October of 2022, the bodies of 27-year-old Jasleen Kaur, 36-year-old Jasdeep Singh, 39-year-old Amandeep Singh, and 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri were found in an orchard near Dos Palos.
Investigators say the suspect Jesus Manuel Salgado is accused of kidnapping the family at gunpoint from their trucking business near Highway 59 and 8th Street on October 3rd.
However, Jesus Salgado who has still not had his day in court did not act alone.
His brother Alberto Salgado was charged with criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence for his role in the horrific crimes.
“One cannot imagine the pain that we go through each moment with the fact that kids, family, and friends, did not get a chance to see their loved one, one last time to say goodbye,” said one family member who gave an impact statement in the courtroom on Wednesday.
On Wednesday in front of a courtroom full of family members, Superior Court Judge Carol Ash sentenced him to 3 years and 8 months, receiving the maximum punishment for this sort of crime.
“I don’t like to use the word win, because I don’t think there’s any winners in this,” said Nicole A. Silveira, who is the District Attorney. “We saw the loss that the family has gone through that they spoke about in court. it is the maximum amount allowed under law so we do feel that that’s as much justice that can be served in the courtroom.”
Alberto Salgado already has served 993 days, and will likely only serve 22 more months depending on good behavior.
Outside of the courtroom family members reacted to the sentencing saying laws in California for this sort of crime need to change.
“If you look at it and other criminals look at it also, if a crime like this only gets three years and 8 months it doesn’t stop others from doing this all over again,” said Balwinder Saini, who is the brother-in-law of the victims.
Despite the sentencing, family members say they are thankful for the community’s support as they continue to fight for some sort of justice.
“My message to the community is that there is a bigger case that’s in motion right now for Jesus Delgado and we want to make sure that we continue to have their support,” said Saini.
Prosecutors will ask for the death penalty for Jesus Salgado. He’s due back in court on March 4.
