Goshen Father, Step-Grandfather Arrested in Murder & Sexual Abuse of 14-Year-Old Girl 

March 9, 2024 - Tulare County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 16, 2024, TCSO Deputies were called to a home in the 30600 Block of Road 72 in Goshen after family members reported an unresponsive 14-year-old girl. The girl was taken to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Deputies noticed multiple indicators suggesting severe neglect potentially played a role in the child’s death.

Throughout the next several weeks following the girl’s death, Detectives worked diligently serving multiple warrants, collecting additional evidence, and conducting numerous interviews. Through their investigation, Detectives learned the girl’s father, 50-year-old Raymond Pena, and the girl’s step-grandfather, 64-year-old Brett Minkler, engaged in prolonged sexual abuse with the 14-year-old and another underage girl. During the investigation, Detectives determined the 14-year-old girl died as a direct result of severe neglect by her father and her step-grandfather. Both were arrested on March 1, 2024, and booked into custody at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Adult Pre-Trail Facility. They were charged with Homicide and Felony Child Abuse Resulting In Death for their roles in the death of Pena’s 14-year-old daughter.

Detectives also determined additional girls frequented the home of Pena and Minkler and are working to identify these individuals to determine if there are additional victims.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sergeant S. Olmos and Detective J. Haro with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218. Or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.

Source & photos: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office