At just before 2:30PM on Thursday (8/7/14), Folsom police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Montrose drive in Folsom for a report of a stabbing. The first officer to arrive contacted a male, 20 year old Jose M Reyes-Torres of Folsom, who was covered in blood and advanced on the officer. Reyes-Torres had just stabbed his aunt and her son, 6-month-old Roberto Varela.
The officer fired once, striking Reyes-Torres. Reyes-Torres continued to fight officers after being taken into custody. The officer immediately summoned medical aid and Reyes-Torres was treated for his wound, then transported to an area hospital. The infant and the adult female were each transported to area hospitals. Reyes-Torres and Varela were both later pronounced dead. The adult female, who is not being identified, underwent surgery and is in stable condition at a local hospital.
Investigators have learned that Reyes-Torres had gone to the victims’ residence while armed with 2 knives. Within a minute of arriving, he violently attacked his family members. He reportedly used one of his knives to stab his aunt repeatedly. Reyes-Torres then pushed past another family member before stabbing 6-month-old Roberto Varela repeatedly. Reyes-Torres was armed with another knife and was searching for other family members when he confronted a Folsom Police Officer outside the residence. He charged the officer, and despite orders to stop, Reyes-Torres continued running at the officer yelling profanity. Reyes-Torres’ motive for all of the violent attacks remains unclear.
No additional details are available.
The family of 6-month-old Roberto Varela has requested privacy during this difficult time. They have released a photo of Robert Varela, which is attached. A memorial fund in the name of Roberto David Varela has been set-up at Folsom Lake Bank at 905 Sutter Street, #100 in Folsom.
