Jason Castillo
Santa Maria police arrested a 10th suspect Tuesday in the murder of Anthony Ibarra, whom officers found dead in the back of a U-Haul truck last month. [KCOY]
Officers arrested 29-year-old Jason Castillo for murder with a gang enhancement shortly after he showed up at a police station to meet with detectives Monday afternoon. As with seven of the other nine suspects, Castillo could receive the death penalty if convicted.
Detectives say gang members tortured and killed Ibarra, 28, on March 17 at a residence at 1142 West Donovan Road in Santa Maria. The day after the murder, a witness entered the home and found Ibarra’s body lying naked on the carpet with his neck cut open and a severely beaten face.
The conspirators later dumped the body in a U-Haul truck, which police found on March 19 in an Orcutt residential neighborhood.
Police have yet to determine a motive and are continuing to investigate the case.
“The investigation is ongoing, and it will likely continue for months,” said Sergeant Dan Cohen.
All 10 suspects are currently in Santa Barbara County Jail. Each suspect, with the exception of Castillo, is expected to appear in court Wednesday.
