Raquel Luz Hernandez Arcos, 40, was found dead after a house fire on the 22000 block of Kraft Avenue in Corning, California. Cal Fire put out the blaze about 3:30 p.m. on November 30, 2024, and firefighters discovered her body inside. An autopsy on December 3 determined Arcos died from a gunshot wound before the fire.

Investigators say the fire was set with an accelerant to hide the crime. Detectives identified 25-year-old Carlos Alberto Perez as a suspect, alleging he had stalked Arcos for months, arrived at her home on November 30, shot her and then set the house ablaze. Perez was arrested December 4 and charged with murder; authorities reported he had an unserialized firearm he admitted using in the killing. He pleaded not guilty to murder and arson on December 10 and is held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Corry with the Tehama County Major Crimes Unit at (530) 529-7920.