For most cases in the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest marks the end of an investigation. But not in the case of Tania Wise’s murder.
“This is the start of our investigation,” Sheriff Ken Mascara said late last week while announcing the arrest of Jose Antonio Soto-Escalera.
For weeks, investigators have “been piecing together the final moments of Tania’s life,” the sheriff said. “Today [Friday, Sept. 21], the final piece of this complex puzzle has been put in place.”
Wise, 23, was 8 ½ months pregnant with a baby boy, whom she planned to call Josiah Thomas. He would have been her second child and was due to arrive a week after their murder via a scheduled C-section.
Sheriff Mascara confirmed that Soto-Escalera was the baby’s father – determined through a DNA match. Digital forensics showed he had called Tania on the day she disappeared.
And eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle matching the description of Soto-Escalera’s in the area where Wise’s body was discovered.
Adding to the complex picture of Wise and Soto-Escalera’s connection is the fact that Soto-Escalera is married with four other children, Sheriff Mascara said.
He told the public that Soto-Escalera’s wife, who has not been publicly identified, did not know about Wise or her baby.
Sheriff Mascara also noted that Wise had other men in her life but would not elaborate further.
Wise was “somewhat of a girlfriend” to Soto-Escalera, he added.
The sheriff said he couldn’t speculate on a motive, adding that he does not know if jealousy played a role.
Authorities had Soto-Escalera under surveillance in the days leading up to his arrest. When it appeared as though he was headed out of the county, deputies stopped him and placed him under arrest.
He was found in possession of a firearm, Sheriff Mascara said, though he did not explain whether or not Soto-Escalera was legally carrying.
Wise’s family had provided investigators with a few names of potential suspects. One of those names was Soto-Escalera.
Sheriff Mascara said he’s been in touch with the family. “They are grateful,” he said.
