PATTERSON, Calif., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The body of a Latino man found in the Delta-Mendota Canal appears to be that of the man who allegedly kidnapped and killed a child, California officials said.
Authorities recovered Saturday what they said is probably the body of Jose Esteban Rodriguez, who allegedly snatched 4-year-old Juliani Cardenas from his grandmother's arms on Jan. 18, the Patterson (Calif.) Irrigator reported.
"I'm just relieved that it came to a close," said Juliani's mother, Tabitha Cardenas, who is Rodriguez's former girlfriend. She is now pregnant with his child.
The boy's body was found in the same canal on Feb. 1. Witnesses said they saw a vehicle matching the one Rodriguez allegedly used in the kidnapping go into the canal about an hour after the boy was taken.
Police said the body recovered from the canal Saturday matches the description of the 27-year-old suspect. An autopsy will be conducted next week to make a positive identification.
