Riverdale Mother Killed, Partner Arrested After Amber Alert Issued

RIVERDALE, Utah — Authorities have identified the victim in a recent homicide investigation linked to an Amber Alert for her two missing children. The body of 23-year-old Mayra Catalan-Dimas was discovered inside a burning trailer at the Riverdale Manufactured Home Community on Monday afternoon, just hours before the alert was issued.

Firefighters responded to the trailer home fire at approximately 2:45 p.m. Upon entering the smoke-filled dwelling, they found Catalan-Dimas unresponsive. Emergency personnel attempted to administer aid, but she was later pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement officials confirmed that her death was ruled a homicide, with evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set.

According to a police affidavit, an accelerant was used to ignite the trailer fire, and a gas can was found at the site. Investigators also discovered a pair of bloodied jeans within the trailer, further pointing to foul play.

The tragic incident escalated when Catalan-Dimas’s two children, ages 2 and 3, were reported missing along with their father, 29-year-old Ricardo Trujillo Rojel. An Amber Alert was issued later that evening, prompting a search across the state for the missing children and their father.

About three hours after the alert was activated, police located Trujillo in Hobble Creek Canyon, where he was arrested after allegedly resisting law enforcement efforts. The children were found safe with him and were subsequently placed under the care of Child Protective Services before being returned to family.

“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend,” a family statement said. “Her absence has left a void that words cannot express.”

Trujillo has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson, both of which are first-degree felonies. Following his arrest, he reportedly resisted officers and exhibited violent behavior at the Weber County Jail. According to the affidavit, blood was found inside Trujillo’s vehicle, further complicating his case.

This is not the first time Trujillo has faced legal issues related to domestic violence. Court records indicate he was sentenced to 180 days in prison for assaulting Catalan-Dimas in 2021 while she was pregnant.

In a previous incident this past January, he was arrested for domestic violence in front of the children, which included breaking household items and damaging property while under the influence of drugs. Neighbors expressed shock and concern for the family, highlighting the community’s vulnerability to domestic violence.

“It’s a reality check,” said neighbor Donna Neilson. “It tells me nobody is immune to it. It can happen anywhere, and it did.”

The Riverdale Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and will provide further information as it becomes available.