On the day of the disappearance, Toledo argued with Yessenia at her work, slapping her. Later, he threatened her family if she pursued legal action against him. That evening, Yessenia initially planned to stay at her mother’s house with the children, but later took them home. This was the last time anyone saw them alive.

The next morning, Yessenia didn’t call her mother, prompting a worried call to the police. Their home was empty; one of Yessenia’s cars was at home, the other at a nearby store.

Police quickly declared Yessenia and her children dead, naming Toledo as the prime suspect. He had a violent past and was a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings gang.

Evidence linked Toledo to the crime: Thalia’s blood was found on his boot and in the family’s home. Michael’s blood was also found in the house. Neighbors reported hearing screams from the house that night.

Toledo confessed to killing Yessenia but claimed a neighbor, Tyshawn Jackson, killed the children and disposed of the bodies. Police didn’t believe Jackson’s involvement. Toledo’s actions, like cleaning Yessenia’s car and throwing evidence away, pointed towards guilt.

In a letter from jail, Toledo hinted at the children’s whereabouts, suggesting he had sent their belongings to Mexico. He maintained his innocence regarding the children’s deaths.

In 2017, Toledo was convicted of the murders: second-degree murder for Yessenia and first-degree murder for Thalia and Michael. He received a life sentence. Despite extensive searches, the bodies of Yessenia, Thalia, and Michael have never been found.