1 year later, killing of Provo woman remains unsolved


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PROVO — A year ago, Belen Perez was found dead inside her home.

Provo police say they still consider the murder investigation to be active, but it is beginning to get cold as time goes on.

The woman, 60, was found in her home, 1675 W. 50 North, on May 22, 2014, by her son Carlos Barcelata.

"She had an electrical cord wrapped around her neck, and someone had poured household cleaning chemicals on her upper torso and on her face," Provo Police Lt. Brandon Post said. Investigators say it was an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

The medical examiner determined she died by strangulation. Detectives believe Perez may have returned home while a burglar was inside. They call her killing a random crime, but still haven't made any arrests.

"We have obtained evidence from the scene that we have not been able to link to any specific suspect at this time," Post said.

That's why her only son is pleading with the public to come forward if they know anything that could help in the investigation.

"That’s been the most difficult part of this whole thing, that I really don’t have that peace, knowing that the perpetrator is still somewhere out there,” Barcelata said. "Someone may have information regarding what happened that day, and I think there is still a chance for that person to come forward and do some good."


That's been the most difficult part of this whole thing, that I really don't have that peace, knowing that the perpetrator is still somewhere out there.

–Carlos Barcelata, son


Police are also asking for the public's help to solve the case.

"We have a very heinous crime that been committed by somebody out there who is still free and needs to be found and brought to justice, both for closure for Belen Perez's son and to make sure that no case like this is committed by this person again," Post said.

Any information, even if it seems insignificant or unimportant, may actually be the key piece of information police need to find this person and bring them to justice, the lieutenant said.

Investigators are asking anyone who might have information about the death to call Provo police at 801-852-6210.

Barcelata said that he and his mother moved to Provo from Los Angeles several years ago, believing it would be a nicer and much safer community for them.

He doesn't know who would do this to his mother.

"She was a very kind lady, and she loved animals, she loved people and she liked to help out people who needed help," Barcelata said. "And a great mother. She was a very loving mother. That was my momma, a kind person."

Contributing: Viviane Vo-Duc

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