Police said three suspects were held in line with the murder of a teenager who was found dead on the Central Coast.
Charges were filed against a woman, 21, and two others in connection with the killing of the 19-year-old victim. Two of the suspects are siblings, and one of them is an active member of the Air Force, particularly from Travis Air Force Base, as confirmed by the agency, SFGATE reported.
The case of Leilani Beauchamp of Carmel is now being investigated by the Fairfield Police Department as homicide. The 19-year-old woman was last spotted in Sacramento on Saturday morning for a Halloween party. She allegedly was with a couple of Air Force members when he left the gathering. One of his companions at that time is now arrested.
According to the police, the victim’s disappearance was reported to them on Saturday evening. Together with the investigators and the Travis Air Force Base, the police department determined that the teenager’s case was a homicide.
Beauchamp was found dead in the 300 block of Corral De Tierra Road in Salinas at around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that have transpired. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Leilani’s loved ones,” police said. “Please respect their privacy as they deal with this tragic loss.”
The police identified the suspects as Jessica Quintanilla, 21, from Pittsburg; Juan Parra-Peralta, 20, from Fairfield; and Marco Quintanilla, 27, also from Pittsburg.
“Leilani was truly a blessing to us and her beloved friends. Leilani shared a very close relationship with her younger brother and sister who, after she ventured out to college, maintained daily communication with them. We will miss her smile, her laugh, her caring demeanor, her strong will, her passion for life and the love she brought to our family. We love you Leilani,” the victim’s family told KCRA 3.
The network has also received confirmation from Travis Air Force Base that Parra-Peralta was among the charged.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with family and friends of the victim. At this time, Travis Air Force Base is engaging with and fully cooperating with civil authorities. The Travis AFB Office of Special Investigations is monitoring the case and providing a liaison to the appropriate civil authorities. We will continue to support the lead agency in their investigation and take appropriate administrative actions, if warranted,” it said.
“As discussed, if an Air Force member is jailed, paperwork is filed to list their status as ‘civilian confinement’ during which time they forfeit pay and allowances. If the member posts bail, they are released to report to their assigned duty. It is the Airman’s responsibility to then adhere to all legal proceedings or investigative processes with civil authorities. It’s premature to comment on the Air Force course of action with the member outside of the current investigation and civil proceedings.”
