Case against suspect in Merced family kidnapping faces setbacks

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Action News has learned about a setback in the case against the man accused of kidnapping and killing a Merced County family.

The Merced District Attorney's office says Jesus Salgado fired his attorney in February and a new attorney was appointed in March.

We are also learning that the case has been assigned to a new judge. The Merced County Superior Court says the judge who originally had the case will be retiring on July 1.

Salgado faces charges for the 2022 murders of an eight-month-old baby girl, her parents and her uncle.

RELATED: Family mourns deadly Merced County kidnapping of four two years later

The family was taken from their business in Merced County and found dead days later in an orchard near Dos Palos.

Salgado's brother, Alberto, was sentenced in 2024 to three years and eight months in prison after pleading no contest to several charges, including accessory to murder.

No date has been set for Salgado's next court appearance.