A California man accused of killing his wife and fleeing to Peru with their children has been charged with murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors on Friday announced a murder felony complaint and extradition arrest warrant against 36-year-old Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo, who is suspected of killing his wife, 33-year-old Sheylla Cabrera.
“The allegations against this man are horrific, and we will do everything possible to bring him back under our jurisdiction to be held accountable,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
Conflicting stories from husband
Investigators said Sheylla Cabrera and her three children were reported missing on Aug. 12. At first, Jossimar Cabrera allegedly told relatives and authorities that his wife had been taken by ICE agents. Later, he claimed she had left him for another man, and in a third account, that she had suffered an accident.
Court documents and reports indicate Cabrera gave multiple, contradictory explanations before evidence pointed to foul play.
Surveillance video evidence
On Aug. 13, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies uncovered surveillance footage from the couple’s Lancaster apartment complex showing Cabrera dragging a large object wrapped in material.
NEW: Husband flees to Peru after his missing wife is found dead
The body of 33-year-old Sheylla Gutierrez was found in the Angeles National Forest three days ago
Her husband is suspected of k*lling her and is believed to be in Peru
Gutierrez’s family says her husband gave… pic.twitter.com/ghGQjteHiz
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) August 20, 2025
Investigators said this discovery led them to suspect foul play and turn the case over to the Homicide Bureau.
Body discovered in Angeles National Forest
On Aug. 16, search-and-rescue teams found Sheylla Cabrera’s body down an embankment in Angeles National Forest. Officials said the remains were wrapped in material similar to what appeared in the surveillance video. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine her official cause of death.
Flight to Peru
Authorities said Cabrera fled the United States shortly after his wife’s disappearance, traveling to Peru with the couple’s three children. The children were later located safe and taken into protective custody by Peruvian authorities.
The Peruvian Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed Cabrera’s arrival in the country. Extradition proceedings are underway.
Family details history of abuse
Sheylla’s mother, Helga Rocillo, who lives in Peru, told the Los Angeles Times her daughter had previously confided that Cabrera was abusive.
“She told me that Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo hit her, mistreated her, and even slapped my youngest grandchild, who is 3 years old,” Rocillo said.
Potential sentence
If extradited and convicted, Cabrera faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.
