Two arrests made in Lindsay murder case

FRESNO, Calif.

The investigation started after a rancher found a burned body in a burned car at Avenue 224 near Road 236 in the Lindsay area on Friday. The victim has now been identified as 20-year-old Michael Avalos.

Detectives believe 23-year-old Joshua Stepp and 22-year-old Nathan Hunt stabbed Avalos before burning his body. Hunt is now on jail, but Stepp is still on the lose. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Deputies also arrested Stepp's 58-year-old mother, Sandra, for accessory to murder after the fact and arson.

Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.