by The victim, 23-year-old Tania Wise, was discovered dead on August 24, 2018, along a country road, sparking a seven-year investigation that culminated in the trial beginning this week.
Details Uncovered in the Investigation
Investigators uncovered chilling communications between Soto-Escalera and Wise prior to her death. Police reports reveal:
- Wise informed Soto-Escalera she was pregnant with his child and requested money for an abortion.
- She warned that if the money was not provided, she would reveal their affair to Soto-Escalera’s wife.
- Soto-Escalera allegedly agreed and gave Wise $500 for the abortion, but Wise reportedly did not use the money for that purpose.
- A witness testified that Wise admitted she could manipulate Soto-Escalera using his wife as leverage.
Further witness statements indicated that shortly before her body was found, Soto-Escalera expressed anger that Wise had “played him” by not proceeding with the abortion and even inquired about acquiring a “dirty gun.”
Evidence Linking Soto-Escalera to the Crime
During a police interview after Wise’s body was discovered, Soto-Escalera denied having sexual relations with Wise but admitted she had stripped for him. Crucially, he consented to a DNA test and cell phone search.
The DNA test confirmed that Soto-Escalera was the father of Wise’s unborn baby boy, named Josiah by her family.
Additional digital evidence strengthened the prosecution’s case:
- Cell phone records showed numerous calls between Soto-Escalera and Wise on the night before Wise’s body was found.
- His phone was pinged at the location where the body was discovered on August 24, 2018.
- Incriminating Google searches made by Soto-Escalera hours before the body was found included terms like “dead body in woods” and “wooded area dead body.”
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Local prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, underscoring the gravity of the charges against Soto-Escalera.
Trial Commences Amid High Stakes
Jose Soto-Escalera faces a total of four murder charges — two counts of first-degree murder and two of second-degree murder. Jury selection began on Wednesday, marking the start of what is expected to be a high-profile trial.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of deceit and betrayal within intimate relationships, and the legal pursuit aims to bring justice for Tania Wise and her unborn son.
For more detailed information on the trial and case developments, visit the original report at Law&Crime.
What do you think about this tragic case and the legal proceedings underway? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
