Two Turlock residents were arrested on torture charges Thursday morning, following a two-week Turlock Police Department investigation.
The investigation began at 7:03 p.m. April 19, when a 24-year-old male victim contacted the Turlock Police Department stating that he had been tortured two days prior. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result of the ordeal, according to Turlock Police spokesperson Mayra Lewis.
Following what is termed as an “extensive investigation,” Turlock Police investigators served a search and arrest warrant at 1336 E. Linwood Ave. at 7:23 a.m. Thursday.
Upon entering the premises, investigators found evidence supporting the victim's story, Lewis said, prompting investigators to make arrests.
Salvador Rendon, 42, and Martha Ferguson, 35, of Turlock, were both booked on torture charges. The two are married, Lewis said. Rendon was also booked for assault with a deadly weapon – a handgun.
The Federal Immigration and Naturalization Service has placed a 48 hour hold on Rendon, meaning he is a foreign national.
Three children were found inside the Linwood Avenue home but were uninjured, Lewis said. A fourth child who lives at the residence was at school at the time. The children's ages were not made available. All four were taken into protective custody and released to Child Protective Services' care.
No additional information will be released about the victim, the torture, or any suspected motive for the torture, Lewis said, as the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Jason Tosta at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6624. Anonymous tips may be left by calling the Crime Stoppers Program at (209) 521-4636. Rewards may be available.
