Murder Suspects Nabbed in Menlo Park After High Speed Chase, Crash: Police

MENLO PARK, CA — A man and a woman found Monday in Menlo Park were arrested on suspicion of shooting a woman to death at a motel east of Sacramento,

Sacramento County sheriff's officials said.James Baca, 37, and Rebecca Temme, 35, of Sacramento, were
arrested at about 5:30 p.m. following a high-speed chase that involved Menlo Park and Redwood City police and the California Highway Patrol.

The suspects were arrested for shooting 53-year-old Leonora Montoya to death in a motel room at the Surf Motel at 3204 Auburn Blvd.

Sheriff's dispatchers received a 911 call at about 11:45 a.m. Sunday from someone who said they heard a gunshot in the 3200 block of Auburn Boulevard. Deputies also learned from someone that the gun went off inside a motel room, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies responded, searched the area and found Montoya in a hotel room with a bullet wound to her head. She was pronounced dead in the room.

Investigators believe anger existed between Montoya and Baca and Temme, leading to Montoya's death.

After shooting Montoya, Baca and Temme allegedly stole Montoya's vehicle, which they used to try to evade police and CHP officers during the high-speed chase.

The chase ended with a crash and Baca and Temme allegedly tried running from officers, according to the sheriff's office.

Temme was arrested on suspicion of murder, robbery and violating her post-release community supervision. Baca was arrested on suspicion of murder, robbery and violating his parole. Both were taken to Sacramento County Jail.

Anyone with information about Montoya's death is asked to call the sheriff's department at (916) 874-5115 or (916) 443-HELP. Tips can also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-8477.

— By Bay City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone