In a recent development, the mystery of a San Diego, California couple who vanished days before Christmas has been conclusively solved.

Johnny Soto, 52, and Melissa Soto, 45, were last spotted on the evening of December 20, 2023. Their sudden disappearance was alarming to their children who filed a missing persons report.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) revealed that on December 26, a car was found by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in the parking lot of the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo. The bodies of Johnny and Melissa Soto were inside the car, a fact later confirmed by their family members.

According to the SDPD, Johnny’s death has been categorized as suicide, resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Melissa’s death, caused by strangulation, is being investigated as a homicide, with her husband as the prime suspect.

The Sotos, married for two decades and separated since July, are survived by their three adult children.

Their youngest son, Vincent, recounted the night he last saw his parents. He described it as a typical evening with his father watching TV and his mother arriving in her car. The couple had asked for some private time to talk, after which Vincent received a text from his father stating they were leaving the house.

This text was the final communication from the parents. Worried about their continued absence, the children raised the alarm with the police and contacted their aunt, Christina Sandoval.

Sandoval noted that the couple had left without many personal items, including Johnny’s usual clothing, and Melissa’s mobile phone, keys, and wallet. Johnny’s phone was turned off soon after they left the house.

Security footage from a neighbor’s camera recorded their last moments at home. The video showed Melissa’s car pulling up and Johnny moving to and from the car around 10:30 p.m. before they drove away.

Despite their separation, family members stated that the couple maintained a polite relationship.

The sudden loss has left the family in a state of shock. Christmas gifts remain unopened beneath the tree, as the act of unwrapping them proved too distressing for the siblings.

The SDPD continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact their homicide unit.