Investigation Underway in Homicide of Utah Woman, Husband Missing

Jeusselem Elieth Genes Vitola, a 43-year-old woman from Saratoga Springs, Utah, was found dead inside a camper trailer owned by her husband, Alvaro Jose Urbina Rojas, 57. The discovery occurred on March 3, 2023, after family members reported both individuals missing to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The couple was last seen on February 26, when Rojas was supposed to take Vitola to work, but she never arrived. Police later confirmed that her death is being treated as a homicide.

US Weekly

Rojas has been named a "person of interest" in the investigation and is believed to have fled Utah for California. Authorities are actively searching for him, coordinating efforts with the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Border Patrol. Rojas is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 193 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is thought to be driving a gray 2005 Toyota Sequoia with a Utah license plate number T40 9YB. Surveillance footage has placed his vehicle in various locations, including Cedar City, St. George, Las Vegas, and southern California.

Missing Utah Woman Found Dead; Husband Flees to Southern California

Vitola and Rojas, who immigrated from Venezuela approximately ten years ago, had been married for nearly 20 years and shared two children. Friends reported that the couple had recently opened a food truck business, Rica Arepa, in Midvale, Utah. Despite their recent entrepreneurial success, there were indications of marital strain, with family members noting discussions about divorce prior to Vitola's death. Police Chief Andrew Burton stated that there had been no documented history of domestic violence between the couple.

US Weekly

The news of Vitola's death has sent shockwaves through Utah's Venezuelan community, where the couple was well-known. Local vendors expressed disbelief, stating that the couple appeared happy and engaged in their new business venture. Fernando Colmenares, a fellow vendor, described the situation as devastating, particularly for the couple's children, who are now facing an unimaginable loss.

Community in mourning after mother found dead; husband sought as person of interest

Saratoga Springs Police Chief Andrew Burton emphasized the ongoing investigation and the urgency of locating Rojas. "We are alerting local authorities in California," he stated, adding that they are working to determine if Rojas has any associates in the area. The police have urged anyone with information regarding Rojas or the vehicle to contact Detective Llorens at the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

KSTU - Salt Lake City News

• “The trailer was then processed as a crime scene, and the Medical Examiner’s office was notified,” — Andrew Burton, Police Chief

Community in mourning after mother found dead; husband sought as person of interest

• “Though we only met them briefly, they looked happy and we were all really happy for them, to see their progress as Venezuelans,” — Fernando Colmenares, Local Vendor

Community in mourning after mother found dead; husband sought as person of interest

As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on tracing Rojas' movements and gathering more information from the community. The results of Vitola's autopsy are pending, which may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding her death.

US Weekly