Family of four, including 8-month-old, found dead after being kidnapped in California

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has recommended not to extend the detention order issued against Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma.The HRCSL said that any futher investigations that the police may need to conduct can be carried out successfully and expeditiously without the continued detention of these persons.It asserts that the arrest, detention, and continued incarceration of the convener of the Inter University Student Federation (IUSF), Wasantha Mudalige, and the convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation (IUBF), Ven.

Grammy-nominated actress Selma Blair and her service dog Scout were surrounded by ladies as they headed inside Skylight Books in LA's Los Feliz neighborhood on Tuesday.The Michigan-born 50-year-old was scheduled to host a 3:30pm reading/signing for her memoir Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, which was released back on May 24.Selma was wearing a b&w-patterned blouse, black slacks, and pink peep-toe heels for the ticketed event. All smiles: Grammy-nominated actress Selma Blair and her service dog Scout were surrounded by ladies as they headed inside Skylight Books in LA's Los Feliz neighborhood on TuesdayBlair (born Beitner) appeared to be in great spirits following her October 17 exit from Dancing with the Stars.'Oh the places I've been! But I never considered I would be in a dance rehearsal space for a live @disneyplus ballroom dance show,' the Far More actress - who boasts 3.5M social media followers - wrote on Instagram that same day.

Selena Gomez has COVID.The Calm Down singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby.In her caption, the 30-year-old Wizards Of Waverly Place vet told her followers that they need to take COVID seriously because it is still out there. Ill at home: Selena Gomez has COVID. The singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby'I'm not going to be on Fallon tonight,' her noted began.'I ended up getting covid but am resting and feeling ok.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – While the SLPP General Secretary says that dual citizens should be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the United National Party took a different stance.The Vice President of the UNP, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that he opposed dual citizens taking seats in the Parliament, and Sri Lanka should only be ruled by Sri Lankans who care and think about the country.Otherwise, he pointed out, any dual citizen has the right to go to a different country in the future and act in the way that they desire without facing repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M.

Humza Yousaf has been branded the "worst health secretary since devolution" by Labour in a row over how prepared the NHS is for winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Dilan Perera says that the Government will not be able to stop any allegations against it with regard to human rights violations. Speaking to media, the Freedom Peoples Congress MP said that Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, who was visited by HRCSL personnel, was observed to have been unwell on 24th October. However, the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) only took the Thero to the hospital on 25th, which by that time, his platelet count and blood pressure were already low. "Therefore, the arrests made under the Prevention of Terrorism Act is wrong. If we can't pay attention to their health condition at least after the arrest, we will not be able to stop the accusations of human rights violations," he added.Earlier today, a senior official attached to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka confirmed that Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the security forces to conduct an investigation in an impartial manner in to the recent incident inside the Yala National Park where a fleet of Off-Road vehicles were seen performing doughnut inside the park premises.Cabinent Spokesperson & Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the President also instructed to penalize those accountable.Nine people and seven jeeps that were involved in the Yala Fiasco over the weekend, that received widespread condemnation, were produced to the Tissamaharama District Court on Wednesday (26) after they surrendered to the Yala National Park Rangers Office earlier in the day.The Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.This committee will be chaired by an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

Nine people and seven jeeps that were involved in the Yala Fiasco over the weekend, that received widespread condemnation, were produced to the Tissamaharama District Court on Wednesday (26) after they surrendered to the Yala National Park Rangers Office earlier in the day.The Magistrate ordered for the suspects to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.This committee will be chaired by an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka issued a clarification regarding the implementation of the Social Security Contribution Tax on electricity bills. As per the Social Security Tax Act, electricity supply by Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to Social Security Contribution Tax.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board will charge the said tax from the 1st of October, 2022 on the purchase of electricity by the parties including consumers who receive electricity from the Ceylon Electricity Board. "As the electricity tariffs were revised recently, we suggested the Ministry of Finance exempt electricity consumption from this tax. The Ministry of Finance has informed us that according to the relevant Act, the electricity supply of the Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to this tax.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health is preparing to establish a database by spending almost a billion rupees, however no progress has been made with regard to the infamour #DataScam.The approval of the National Medicnes Regulatory Authority is essential for every medicine and medical device imported to Sri Lanka.With the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these activities take place online, and an advertisement published by the NMRA on October 15th, 2020 confirmed this.The functions of the NMRA were carried out online using the Lanka Government Cloud for uploading important data related to medicinesand medical devices.However, the data belonging to the NMRA which was available on the Lanka Government Cloud suddenly went missing, and later it was revealed that it was deliberate deletion.A complaint on data going missing from the NMRA Cloud was filed with the CID on July 23rd, 2021.A software engineer attached to the private company that managed the NMRA system was accused of deleting the data.However, the database did not even have the minimum security measure or a backup facility.The issue went to the Courts on 6th October 2021 where the gravity of the missing data was disclosed.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris revealed at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that medicine racketeer made undue advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic that was spreading across Sri Lanka at the time.In court it was revealed that the systems operator from the private company that managed the NMRA cloud had deleted data for a period of seven long hours.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris emphasized that all those involved in this crime should be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice as they are

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Board of Directors of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) have decided to extend the trading hours with effect from 01st November 2022.Accordingly trading hours will be as follows from November onward; Pre-open session – 09:30 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says incentives must be given to industries that generate dollars for Sri Lanka, in order to boost the economy."We can't resolve these issues by putting pressure on the economy. A program to boost the economy is mandatory.

Earlier, it was said that the incident was an accident involving the explosion of a gas-powered car. Sources now indicate that Mubeen was not driving a gas vehicle, but a petrol vehicle and the early triggering of the cylinder could have been an accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Coconut cultivations across multiple districts have been severely affected due to the Coconut White Fly infestation.The Coconut White Fly, which was reported for the first time from the Kegalle district in 2019, is currently widespread in several districts.The Assistant Director of the Coconut Research Institute, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Foreign Employment Bureau said that five Sri Lankan expatriates who had gone to Saudi Arabia to work as domestic aides will be repatriated soon.The Spokesperson Deputy General Manager Gamini Senarath Yapa said that the group departed Sri Lanka via the same Foreign Employment agency, and were trapped in a province some 1,200 km away from the Capital Riyadh.He said that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia is coordinating the activities to repatriate them to Sri Lanka.Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that the new tariff rates will be applied only to New Roof Top Solar Systems."There will be no change of rates for already signed Power Purchasing Agreements & systems in use.", Minister Wijesekara said.Cabinet approval was granted to revise Roof Top Solar Tariff Rates.Two tiers' current tariff rates of Rs 22 & Rs 15.50 will be revised to a flat rate of Rs 37 for less than 500KW & Rs 34.50 for above 500KW RoofTop Solar for 20 years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ambassador of Qatar to Sri Lanka Jassim Bin Jabir Jassim Al Sorour called on the Chairperson Justice Rohini Marasinghe and other officials of the Commission of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) today (26).Upon hearing of the work carried out by the HRCSL from the Chairperson, the Ambassador of Qatar to Sri Lanka made assurances to communicate with the Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), and the Chairperson of the Qatar National Human Rights Commission, Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah of the same. The Ambassador also stated unequivocally that he would disseminate the word about the good work carried out by the HRCSL at large.Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The first ever nationwide survey of financial literacy by the Central Bank has found that 42% of Sri Lankan adults are financially illiterate.‘Financial Literacy Survey Sri Lanka – 2021’, a publication of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, is now available for public access.The Regional Development Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with the assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – under the IFC-DFAT Women in Work program – conducted the first-ever countrywide Financial Literacy Survey in Sri Lanka, as part of the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy of Sri Lanka. The key objective of the survey was to assess the level of financial literacy across the population to formulate appropriate policy measures.The survey focused on the elements of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior within the concept of financial literacy and this publication consists of the key survey findings.The survey findings reveal that 57.9 percent of adults are financially literate in Sri Lanka. Further, the findings imply that the level of financial literacy varies across different segments of the population, suggesting the need for targeted policy interventions. For instance, despite gender parity in education, the survey notes gender disparity in financial literacy.This publication is a useful collection of information for those who are interested in the field of financial inclusion.Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security focused on terminating the service of police officers who have not fulfilled required medical standards.The matter was discussed at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security held in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Minister of Public Security Tiran Alas.The Members of Parliament who were present said that there are many officers in the police service who are not in good health condition for a long time and they do not engage in difficult duties following the submission of medical certificates.It was discussed at the meeting that some of these officers are not suffering from health problems and because of this, officers who are always performing their duties properly are getting inconvenienced.Thus, the Inspector General of Police pointed out that there are about 4,000 police officers who are not at the standard level of health condition for a long period of time. Accordingly, Minister Tiran Alas advised that the police department should prepare the necessary proposal regarding the removal of police officers who are not at the standard level of health condition for a long period of time and send it to the ministry. Also, the Inspector General of Police pointed out that a large number of police officers will retire this year and therefore there will be vacancies of about 16,000 police officers this year.Also, there was a discussion on the reported incidents of police officers using drugs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Six people who were involved in reckless driving inside the Yala National Park over the weekend and flouting the park rules have surrendered to the Wildlife Officers. The group was produced to the Tissamaharama Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (26) along with seven vehicles.In the meantime, a three-member Committee was appointed to conduct further investigations on the Wildlife officials who have been temporarily suspended for failing to prevent incident from taking place.Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resource Conservation Chandra Herath said the Committee was appointed to investigate the officials' dereliction of duty , failure to inform senior officials about the incident, and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The Committee will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry.The Ministry is also expected to make a formal request from the Inspector General of Police to arrest all members of the group involved in the incident.Over 100 of off-roader enthusiasts in 33 jeeps entered the Yala National Park on Saturday, 22nd October and performed various manouvers that caused harm to the wildlife.Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Writer: Zulfick Farzan

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government of China donated another 500 Metric Tonne of rice (50,000 packs) for needy students in Sri Lanka.This shipment of 50,000 packs donated by China to Sri Lanka reached Colombo Port on Tuesday (25) aborad the Vessel NAVIOS JASMINE and will soon be distributed to the students.Another 500 MT will arrive next week, bringing the Chinese Aid tally to 6,000 MT, said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.The embassy said that the rice is suopplied from COFCO, a Chinese state-owned food processing holding company.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who was admitted to the hospital after falling ill, has been diagnosed with Dengue.A senior official attached to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka confirmed that Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A vessel carrying 60,000 MT of coal reached Sri Lanka on Tuesday (25), said Lanka Coal Company.The unloading of the coal will commence today (26).Lanka Coal Company said that with sufficient coal stocks it will be possible to maintain the generation of electricity at the Norochcholai Power Plant without any interruption.Further, before December 4th, another 4 ships of coal are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the Lanka Coal Company noted that the application period for the tender related to the selection of a new supplier for the purchase of coal ended yesterday (25). Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.7106 Sell 371.2612GBP Buy 405.3858 Sell 421.4839EUR Buy 353.8694 Sell 368.8872JPY Buy 2.4039 Sell 2.5064AUD Buy 225.9663 Sell 236.9278Writer: Teena Marian

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Power & Energy has met the Treasury Department in USA Robert Kaproth and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and other officials of the USAID.Productive discussions were carried out considering the reforms in the Power & Energy Sector, policies, debt restructuring, fuel management system & Petroleum products procurement.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Power & Energy has met the Treasury Department in USA Robert Kaproth and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and other officials of the USAID.Productive discussions were carried out considering the reforms in the Power & Energy Sector, policies, debt restructuring, fuel management system & Petroleum products procurement.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to reduce to some extent.Several spells of Showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva province and Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over the sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be westerly or south-westerly in direction.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and the Finance Secretary have both echoed that the process to stabilize the economy is going to be a painful process.However, the Minister of Mass Media, Dr.

How do you buy a health insurance plan? If you settle for a plan your agent sells or are happy knowing that you have bought the cheapest one, there is a bit of unlearning and a lot of learning in store for you. On the other hand, with numerous products, plan options, and all the complicated fine print, comparing insurance can be quite a daunting task.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the all-island three wheeler drivers association, Lalith Dharmasekara says that despite the fuel quota being doubled, the fares will not be dropped. Dharmasekara said that three-wheeler drivers have been running at a loss so far, with Rs. 100/- for the first kilometre and Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ‘Sri Lanka Leopard Dynasty’ by Thivanka Rukshan Perera will become the first ever Sri Lanka documentary to be aired on National Geographic – WILD.News 1st's Senitha Senanayake reports, that ‘Sri Lanka Leopard Dynasty’ produced by ‘Thivanka Rukshan Perera and Aegle Creations PVT Ltd – Sri Lanka’ will air on National Geographic – WILD from November 13th to 30th this year. It will initially make its premiere on German Television (on November 13th, 2022) thereafter there will be a global release on Nat Geo WILD, where it will be dubbed and shown in different languages. The director, writer and editor of the film – ‘Thivanka Rukshan Perera’ – is an alumni of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, USA and a BFA (Hon) – in Motion Picture and Television.According to Thivanka, this documentary was produced with much difficulty, as it faced numerous obstacles including the COVID pandemic that restricted travel for many months.However, “Sri Lanka – Leopard Dynasty” was successfully completed by 2021 and acquired by National Geographic the following year. Currently, it is being dubbed to be shown in different languages worldwide later this year.

Marcus Stoinis played an outstanding knock of an unbeaten 59 from 18 deliveries to help Australia chase down 158 in their Super12 encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka in Perth on Tuesday.Asalanka and Karunaratne lift Sri LankaDisciplined bowling by the Aussies kept Sri Lanka quiet for the major part of their innings but Asalanka and Karunaratne added 37 runs from the last 15 deliveries to help Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 157/6.Asalanka remained unbeaten on 38 from 25 deliveries while Karunaratne scored an useful 14 from seven deliveries after walking in to bat at number eight.Pathum Nissanka (40) and Dhananjaya de Silve also got off to good starts but they couldn't accelerate, ending their innings at underwhelming strike-rates of 88.89 and 113.04 respectively.Sri Lankan bowlers keep Australian batters leashedThe bowlers stepped up after Asalanka and Karunaratne gave Sri Lanka a defendable total. They kept the Australian batters absolutely leashed as the hosts struggled to score quick runs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning for evening today (25).Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in the Mullaitivu district.Moreover, there may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his felicitations on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the UK's 57th Prime Minister.In a release, the President has stated that the vast experience which Sunak brings into the high office would be invaluable in discharging his responsibilities. Pointing out that Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom enjoy a shared traditional history, the President said that he is confident that under Sunak's leadership, the ties between the two nations will be further strengthened. "I look forward to enhancing this partnership particularly through the 'Global Britain' policy and the UK's new 'Platinum Partnership' scheme with Commonwealth countries," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Five Gazettes to be presented to Parliament for approval were considered in the Committee on Public Finance recently and approval was obtained for four gazettes. This approval was given after an analysis of the relevant Gazettes at the Committee on Public Finance which met recently (Oct. 20) under the chairmanship of (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament.Thus, the approval of the Committee was obtained for Gazette No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara says that Cabinet approval has been granted to revise Rooftop Solar Tariff Rates. Accordingly, a two-tier current tariff rate of Rs 22 and Rs 15.50 will be revised to a flat rate of Rs 37 for less than 500KW and Rs 34.50 for above 500KW Rooftop Solar for 20 years. He added that these tariffs will be adjusted annually based on a formula.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) recommended to the Secretary to the Ministry of Lands Chulananda Perera to update the Land Reforms Commission Act and carry out the necessary measures to restructure its operations.Accordingly, COPE recommended that a report be given within 6 weeks, based on the action taken in this regard.These recommendations were made when the Committee on Public Enterprises met in Parliament last (Oct. 21) under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Convenor of the Inter-University Bhikku Federation, Ven. Galewela Siridhamma Thero, who currently remains detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.A spokesperson of the National Hospital stated that he was admitted to the 49th Ward of the National Hospital.Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two  ships of the Royal Australian Navy, namely; HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac which are engaged in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 arrived at the Port of Colombo this morning (25th October 2022). On their arrival, the visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) began in 2017 as an activity coordinated by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen Australia’s engagement and partnerships with regional security forces. Thus, this year’s IPE will return to Southeast and South Asia, consolidating partnerships with 14 countries such as Timor-Leste, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and India.Commodore Mal Wise of Royal Australian Navy is the Commander Joint Task Force for Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022.The visiting ship HMAS Adelaide which is a 230m-long Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) is commanded by Captain SJ Watters.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 30 people sutained injuries in an accident when two passenger buses collided head-on along the Colombo-Kandy main road.The accident took place in Mawanella, Anwaram along the Colombo – Kandy main road Police said that the accident took place between a private passenger bus and an SLTB bus.The private passenger bus was enroute to Nuwara Eliya from Kegalle while the SLTB bus was travelling from Mawanella to Kegalle.

LOOSE Women star Linda Robson has opened up about how overcoming her crippling health condition "transformed her life". The TV panellist revealed that she had her varicose veins in her legs treated after they ruined her "self-esteem" and "self-confidence".

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 'Stabilization is a very very painful process', was a statement made by the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe at this morning's (25) launch of the report on the 'state of the economy' published by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The report contains national policy frameworks for recovery and policy adjustments for stabilization that were tabled and discussed by the board of the IPS and the Governor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department in the USA, Robert Kaproth is in Sri Lanka. He is here to meet with government & economic leaders to discuss the way forward on economic recovery for Sri Lanka, tweeted the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka.Robert Kaproth met with the USA Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung on Tuesday (25).

A California man has been charged with the kidnapping and killing of a family of four, including an eight-month-old girl.

PASADENA, Calif. - A search is underway for a man believed to be kidnapped by two suspects in the Pasadena area.According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, two male suspects got out of a 2008 silver Infiniti G-35 on Michillinda Avenue near Colorado Boulevard on Thursday.The suspects approached a Hispanic-looking man, possibly in his 30s, walking on the side sidewalk. The suspects started attacking the man, knocking him out and then dragging him into the back seat of the Infiniti, LASD said.Photo: LASD The suspects drove off from the scene, traveling south on Michillinda Avenue, LASD said.LASD said the suspect car was seen with a California license plate number 6FMY326.Anyone with information is asked to call 562-946-7150. The Pasadena kidnapping case comes just days after a family in Merced was at the center of a statewide search.

MERCED, Calif. - A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a California family.  Alberto Salgado was arrested Thursday night in Merced County for criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence.

MERCED, Calif. - The suspect in the killing of a Merced family had worked for the victims at one point, according to a relative.A loved one told KTVU that Jesus Salgado, 48, once drove a truck for the family's company.The bodies of 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri, her parents Jasleen Kaur, 27, and Jasdeep Singh, 36; and her uncle Amandeep Singh, 39., were found at an orchard in Merced County two days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint from their business, police said.SEE ALSO: Body language analyzed while slain Merced family kidnapped"Our worst fears have been confirmed," Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said at a Wednesday night news conference.Warnke said the victims were close to each other when found by a farmworker tending to an almond orchard in a remote area near the town of Dos Palos, a town about 30 miles south of Merced where the family was kidnapped on Monday.A source close to the investigation told KTVU that the two brothers were killed with a machete. The source said Kaur was then shot as she held her baby girl in her arms.

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. - The missing California family believed to be kidnapped from Merced earlier in the week has been found dead.On Wednesday night Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke announced that all four family members – eight-month-old Aroohi Dheri and her parents, 27-year-old Jasleen Kaur and 36-year-old Jasdeep Singh, and the baby's 39-year-old uncle Amandeep Singh – were found dead.At the time of the family's disappearance, deputies believed the family was kidnapped Monday at gunpoint from a business in Merced.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kidnapping suspect in custody"Tonight our worst fears have been confirmed. We found the four people from the kidnapping and they are in fact deceased," Warnke said."There's no words right now to describe the anger I feel right now and the senselessness of this incident.