The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced today that it intends to seek the death penalty in the prosecution of the 2024 Mettler Road triple homicide. The announcement follows a court proceeding this morning where the office formally stated its election to pursue capital punishment for the murders of Joe Pena, 60, Kim Huynh, 69, and Alfred Nguyen, 45, by Steven Anthony Guerrero Jr.

The case involves a May 31, 2024, residential burglary at a Lodi home that resulted in the deaths of three family members. Following a dedicated investigation by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was arrested in September 2024 and held to answer on all charges during a preliminary hearing last August.

The defendant is charged with three counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including lying in wait and murder during a burglary. The charges also include being a felon in possession of a firearm and first-degree burglary, along with an allegation of gang activity.

“We cannot, and will not, tolerate this kind of cold-blooded violence in San Joaquin County,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “This defendant didn’t just break the law; he tore a family apart and stole the peace of an entire neighborhood. I am using the full power of this office to ensure he faces the ultimate consequence for these horrific murders.”

District Attorney Freitas also extended his gratitude to the investigators and the prosecution team. “I want to thank the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless work in investigating this tragedy and bringing this individual to justice. I also want to commend Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud for her unwavering dedication to this case and to the victims’ family.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office continues to provide victim advocacy services to the grieving family as the case moves forward.

Trial is set to begin January 4th, 2027.