Dominican Republic National Police
Authorities in New York have arrested a man in connection with the brutal deaths of a family of four, found fatally stabbed in their burning home last month. The victims, Fraime Ubaldo, 30, Marangely Moreno-Santiago, 26, and their two children, Evangeline, 4, and Sebastian, 2, were discovered on August 31 in Irondequoit, New York.
At a press conference on September 2, Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters confirmed the incident was immediately deemed a homicide. “Due to the condition of the bodies, it was readily apparent that it was a homicide investigation,” he said.
Irondequoit Fire Department Chief Shane Metcalfe shared that multiple fires had been set throughout the house, further complicating the scene. Firefighters responding to the blaze found the victims after extinguishing the flames.
On September 7, 34-year-old Julio Cesar Pimentel Soriano was arrested in connection with the deaths. According to Monroe County Jail records, Soriano, listed as Pimentel-Soriano, is facing multiple charges. Police allege Soriano, a Dominican Republic native, entered the U.S. illegally through Puerto Rico, acquiring a fake New York ID. He is also wanted in the Dominican Republic for a 2019 homicide.
Irondequoit police investigator Bradley Lape alleged that Soriano fatally stabbed the family members multiple times in the chest and neck, as detailed in a felony complaint. Police also cited video evidence recorded during the crime but did not provide further specifics.
First Assistant District Attorney Perry Duckles confirmed that Soriano faces four counts of second-degree murder. “I do think there is a motive,” Duckles said, adding that authorities are still investigating the exact reasons behind the horrific killings.
The local community is mourning the loss of the family. Xiomara Weeks, the godmother of the two children, expressed her grief to 13 WHAM, stating, “Marangely was always a very caring person. They’re my family. She’s my sister; she will always be my sister. They will always be my godson and goddaughter forever.”
Weeks also started a GoFundMe to help the victims’ relatives. Reflecting on her relationship with Moreno-Santiago, she added, “I can’t refer to her as someone in the past because she will forever be my best friend. She will always be my sister. She will always be my kids’ godmother.” Plea and attorney information for Soriano were not immediately available, as the investigation continues into this devastating tragedy.
