Authorities in Saratoga Springs are searching for Alvaro Jose Urbina Rojas after the discovery of his wife's body in a Draper storage lot, a development that has transformed a missing persons case into a homicide investigation. Jeusselem Elieth Genes Vitola, 43, was found dead in a trailer on Monday, leading investigators to identify her husband as a person of interest who may have fled to California.
Discovery of Victim and Suspect
The investigation began after Jeusselem Elieth Genes Vitola and her husband, Alvaro Jose Urbina Rojas, 57, were reported missing on February 26, 2026. The couple, both Venezuelan nationals who had lived in the United States for 10 years, were last seen leaving for work around 10:00 a.m. that Thursday, according to Telemundo Utah reporting.
Investigation Details and Suspect
Detectives executed a search warrant on Monday at a storage lot in Draper, where they discovered the body of an adult woman inside a trailer. Authorities believe the deceased is Genes Vitola. While the medical examiner's report is pending to determine the exact cause of death, the case has been reclassified as a homicide.
Description of the Fugitive
Alvaro Jose Urbina Rojas is being sought as a person of interest. He is described as having black hair, brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing approximately 193 pounds. He was last seen traveling in a gray 2005 Toyota Sequoia with Utah license plate T409YB. While a warrant has not been issued, investigators believe he fled Utah toward California, where a camera reportedly captured his vehicle.
Relationship Tensions and Financial Stress
Court documents released in March 2026 revealed significant tensions in the couple's relationship prior to the incident. Investigators noted the pair had faced substantial financial pressures over the last year. Additionally, documents indicate that Genes Vitola had expressed her intention to divorce her husband months before her death.
Witness Accounts of Domestic Conflict
Family members told detectives that Urbina Rojas had become increasingly jealous, specifically suspecting his wife of being involved with another person. According to Telemundo Utah, the victims' daughter, Ariany Urbina Genes, stated she had witnessed physical aggression in the relationship for a long period of time.
Family Reaction and Police Response
Ariany Urbina Genes, the daughter of the victim, spoke to Telemundo Utah regarding the tragedy, stating that while she seeks justice for her mother, she feels pity for her father for ruining his life. The Saratoga Springs Police Department has not yet responded to requests for further updates on the investigation.
Ongoing Law Enforcement Efforts
The case has drawn significant attention from the local community. Authorities are currently working in coordination with the Draper Police Department, the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Border Patrol to locate Urbina Rojas. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or the vehicle is urged to contact Detective Llorens at 801-766-6503 or 385-364-1001.
