Valinda remains identified as missing El Monte woman; Santeria spiritualist named suspect

VALINDA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man known as a Santeria spiritualist has been named a suspect in the murder of an El Monte woman, whose remains were found earlier this month in Valinda.

The woman was identified by investigators on Tuesday as Maria DelRefugio Chavez. Her remains were discovered in the back yard of a home on Elsberry Avenue on Aug. 7. Investigators did not say how they were led to that location or how the body got there.

Authorities said the family currently living in the residence is not believed to be involved in the crime in any way.

During a morning news conference, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Pablo Pinto Mata is a suspect in the case.

However, they do not know the whereabouts of Mata, who, like Chavez, was last seen in 2009.

Police say Mata operated a botanica store in Montebello and acted as a Santeria spiritualist for the victim and many others.

Mata became romantically involved with Chavez, and together they had a daughter. Investigators suspect the motive could have stemmed from the fact that Mata was already married and had children.

Chavez' siblings held back tears at the news conference and said their sister was a loving and caring person and a great mother.

The coroner has ruled Chavez's death as a homicide, but due to the state of the remains, authorities need additional time to determine a cause of death.

Chavez and Mata's daughter was only 4 years old when Chavez disappeared. The girl has been living with family members since.

As for Mata, not only is he wanted on a murder charge, he is also being investigated for sex-related crimes, some involving children, according to the West Covina and Montebello police departments.

The suspect is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl while conducting "healing rituals" at Los Angeles Imports in the 2400 block of W. Whittier Boulevard in Montebello.

The suspect allegedly forced the victim to disrobe and sexually assaulted her. He told the girl the assault was part of the healing ritual.

Anyone with further information was urged to contact Montebello police at (323) 887-1248.