TIJUANA, Baja California — A Garden Grove couple reported missing in Tijuana is believed to have been found dead, and the couple's son-in-law was arrested, according to Mexican authorities.
Maria Lopez, 65, and Jesus Guillen, 70, drove a pickup truck down to Tijuana last Friday to collect rent from tenants at properties in Mexico before being reported missing by their daughter.
According to Mexican authorities, the couple collected 120,000 Mexican pesos in rent, and it was the couple's son-in-law was the one who was responsible for collecting that rent.
The couple was due back on Friday afternoon, but when their daughter could not get in touch with them she called police about 7:10 p.m. Friday. Their pickup truck was found near their property.
Baja California state prosecutor Hirán Sánchez said two bodies were found buried in mud at the couple's property. One of the bodies was identified as a male and are working to determine the sex of the second body.
The cause of their death is still being investigated by Mexican authorities, but they believe the date of the deaths was January 10 - the day the couple was reported missing. According to Sánchez, the couple was killed on the same property in which their bodies were discovered.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Family members are expected to travel to Tijuana to formally identify the bodies.
During a press conference Friday, Sánchez said they arrested the couple's son-in-law who they only identified as 36-year-old Santiago "N". He is believe to be married to Norma Rizo, the couple's daughter.
Officials said the preliminary investigation suggests the motive was a monetary dispute over rent payments.
Initially, Santiago told authorities he had dropped the couple off at the border but evidence gathered by Mexican authorities contradicted his testimony. Authorities said Santiago tried to use the couple's credit cards.
Santiago is believed to have wanted to stage a kidnapping - making others believe someone else had kidnapped the couple - hoping to collect a ransom.
According to authorities, Santiago was deported to Mexico after being arrested in 2012 and serving time behind bars for theft. At the time of his arrest in California, he used a false identity.
Mexican authorities believe at this time another individual or individuals helped Santiago "N". They are also working to determine if other bodies are buried at the property.
Santiago could face kidnapping and murder charges, Mexican authorities said.