Two brothers from the Central Valley have been arrested in connection with the death of Isabel Lucas Velasco, a woman who was reported missing last month. Authorities announced the arrests after a body believed to be Velasco’s was recovered in Coalinga, California, nearly a month after her disappearance.
What Happened: Velasco’s Disappearance and Discovery of Her Remains
Isabel Lucas Velasco was reported missing on September 13, 2025, after she was last seen the day before on a jobsite in rural Arroyo Grande, California. Despite extensive efforts to locate her, her whereabouts remained unknown until October 11, 2025, when search and rescue teams discovered a body along Highway 198, west of Coalinga, over 100 miles from where she was last seen.
The body was believed to be Velasco’s, and an investigation quickly led to the arrest of two brothers—45-year-old Alejandro Soriano Ortiz of Coalinga and his 40-year-old brother, Celestino Soriano Ortiz, of Santa Maria—in connection with her disappearance and death.
The Arrests: Alejandro and Celestino Soriano Ortiz
Alejandro Soriano Ortiz, believed to be Velasco’s former boyfriend, was arrested on charges of murder and arson. Authorities accuse him of not only murdering Velasco but also of setting her vehicle on fire. His brother, Celestino, was arrested as an accessory to murder.
At this time, investigators have not provided further details regarding the circumstances of Velasco’s death, and they have not disclosed any information on a possible motive behind the crime. Authorities are continuing to piece together the events that led to her tragic death.
The Investigation: A Call for Information
Velasco’s body has been turned over to the San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s Office for official identification. The case remains under active investigation, and detectives have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department at 805-781-4500.
What Happens Next: The Road to Justice
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover more details surrounding Velasco’s death. The arrests of the two brothers mark a significant step in the case, but many questions remain unanswered, including the motive for the crime and the full extent of their involvement.
Closing Line
This story may be updated as new information becomes available.
