Sacramento Siblings Accused of Plotting To Silence Witnesses

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A brother and sister are in jail, accused of trying to hire someone to kill two alleged sexual assault victims, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

Manuel Perez was placed under arrest last year for the molestation of two young girls.

According to deputies, Manuel Perez wanted the charges to go away, so he wanted the two alleged victims taken out—a woman and a 9-year-old girl.

"We assume his presumption was eliminating the victims might be favorable to his case," said deputy Jason Ramos.

Investigators say Manuel's intended hitman would refuse to kill a child, but would go ahead with killing the woman. Deputies say Manuel would call his sister, Natalia Perez, to work out the details with that contract killer, including transferring ownership of a vehicle to act as payment.

Neighbors who knew Natalia say they can't believe it.

Today we stopped by the family's home on Ethan Way. We found a man who only spoke Spanish claiming to be Natalia's husband.

"She's been locked up, but they don't have proof," he said.

But according to court records, there is enough to charge her and her brother with solicitation of murder.

Investigators are also seeking Christine Engkabo and describe her as someone that may be pertinent to this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Earl Helfrich at (916) 874-5194, or the sheriff's department at (916) 874-5115.