"One of the most heinous crimes": 17-year-old among three neighbors arrested after California family of four found dead

Three people have been taken into custody in connection with the alleged murder of a family in California. Police have further revealed the relationships that three of the suspects share. A news conference was held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in which Reedley Police Chief Joe said,

"In my 30 years, this is one of the most heinous crimes I have ever been involved in."

While the police have concealed the minor's identity, his mother has been identified as 34-year-old Brynn Curtis, and her partner has been identified as 21-year-old Rafael Gonzalez. These three suspects were arrested on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Law enforcement officials have also revealed the identities of the victims who have lost their lives.

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The family of four in California reportedly died of "substantial violent injuries"

The family of four killed has finally been identified, and their identities were revealed on Wednesday. 43-year-old Matthew Bonds' body was found in the detached garage of his immediate neighbor's house. His 61-year-old father, Darrell Bonds, was allegedly buried in the backyard of the house that he shared with Matthew. ABC 30 reported that the other two victims discovered there are Matthew's wife, 44-year-old Guadalupe Bonds, and his grandfather, 81-year-old Billy Bonds.

According to officers, all the victims seem to have died of "substantial violent injuries." They have further confirmed that autopsies are being conducted to find the actual reason behind the deaths of the entire California family, who were discovered on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

While searching the California house on Saturday, police recovered an empty gun safe, from which all firearms, including rifles and pistols, were seemingly removed.

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The teenager faces homicide charges

All three suspects who have been taken into custody are now facing a number of charges in connection with the horrific deaths of the four people. While the teenager faces a charge of four counts of homicide, his mother and her boyfriend are charged for allegedly being an accessory after the fact. According to Chief Joe Garza, the teenager did not act alone and had definitely received aid from his mother and her boyfriend.

Law enforcement officials received warrants for searching two other houses in Parlier and Selma, respectively, as they believed that these could be linked to the current case in hand. The New York Post reported that while Curtis and Gonzalez have been released on bond, the California teenager has been held without a bond. According to Your Central Valley, it wasn't the first time for either Curtis or Gonzalez to face law enforcement.

While the California teenager's mother has faced DUI charges, Gonzalez has been slapped with drug-related charges. Guadalupe Bonds' (Kiki) friends have described her as being "extremely helpful, compassionate, caring, selfless, funny, and loving." According to a fundraiser post,

"Kiki will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Kiki is greatly loved. We will treasure every precious moment we had with her."

The case is an ongoing investigation.