Tulare County, CA – Francisco Valdivia, a 44-year-old man, has been found guilty of first-degree murder and felony arson in connection with the death of his wife, Cecilia Cabrera, who went missing almost a decade ago.
The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office announced that the jury reached a verdict on July 2, convicting Valdivia for his role in the murder of Cabrera. Valdivia is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25 and faces life in prison.
Background on the Case
Valdivia and Cabrera got married in 2008 in Fresno, but they reportedly did not live together and did not have children. Close friends and family claimed that the marriage was for immigration purposes.
Prosecutors revealed that while Valdivia was married to Cabrera, he was also in a relationship with 46-year-old Rosalina Lopez, with whom he had four children. The couple lived in Goshen, and Valdivia reportedly helped pay some of Cabrera’s bills and rent over time.
The Night of the Murder
On the night of June 8, 2016, Cabrera picked up Valdivia to celebrate her upcoming birthday at the Tachi Palace Casino. They gambled for a while before leaving shortly after 12 a.m..
Several hours later, the Tulare County Fire Department responded to a burning vehicle in Traver. Authorities learned that the car belonged to Cecilia Cabrera. Her family reported her as missing, but she has never been found.
Investigations and Evidence
Prosecutors allege that Valdivia erased phone calls made to his wife after the incident. When detectives interviewed him, they noticed scratches on his arm.
Valdivia initially claimed that he spent the rest of the evening at home after Cabrera left. However, cell phone data contradicted his statement. Authorities found that Valdivia’s phone was near the burning vehicle between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m..
Alleged Threats and Motive
Prosecutors also allege that Valdivia had threatened to kill Cabrera if she ever left him or started a relationship with another man. These threats further point to a deliberate motive for the crime.
Rosalina Lopez’s Role
Rosalina Lopez, Valdivia’s partner, pleaded no contest in December 2020 to being an accessory after the fact. She received a three-year sentence in county jail for her involvement in the case.