Two suspects arrested in the El Zocalo Restaurant murder case

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Two Suspects in El Zocalo Restaurant Murder Case

Victim: Jose De Jesus Mendoza Maria (32) Los Angeles

Suspect 1: Viyey Castaneda (29) Santa Ana (No Photo available)
Suspect 2: Anastacio Castaneda Rios (45) Santa Ana (No Photo available)

Location: El Zocalo (Restaurant) – 301 N. Tustin

Summary: On 3/2/15 at approximately 12:47 a.m , patrol officers responded to the El Zocalo Restaurant located at 301 N. Tustin regarding an unknown trouble call. Upon their arrival, officers discovered multiple gunshot victims at the scene. One victim was deceased at the scene and (4) other people were transported to area hospitals. CAP/Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Detectives believe a verbal and physical altercation between two separate groups of people started in the men’s restroom. Sometime during that altercation at least one suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun. Three people were stuck by bullets, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries at the scene; the others were transported to a local trauma center and treated for their injuries. One of the suspects who attempted to flee the scene with a handgun was apprehended by security officers and patrons. That suspect received injuries during the apprehension that required he be transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Based on information and evidences obtained in their investigation Detectives have booked both suspects Viyey Castaneda (29), remains hospitalized and Anastacio Castaneda Rios (45) for CPC 187 Murder.

Detectives are looking for another firearm that may have been used during the fight. Detectives request anyone with information about this investigations call SAPD Homicide Detectives at 714-245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

###

Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.
Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

Recent Posts

Tilly’s Life Center raised over $500K to support youth programs, at their annual O.C. gala

Tilly’s Life Center’s (TLC) recently raised over half a million dollars to support their youth…

5 hours ago

A small plan crashed near the Fullerton Airport this afternoon

On November 25, 2024, at approximately 1:46 PM, Fullerton Fire and Police personnel responded to…

5 hours ago

Firefighters had to extricate victims from two car crashes in Garden Grove last Friday

OCFA fire crews responded to two significant vehicle accidents in Garden Grove last Friday, requiring…

10 hours ago

An SUV was totally wrecked after hitting two light poles and a tree in Newport Beach

On November 24th, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Newport Beach Fire Department units NE63, NT63,…

13 hours ago

The SAPD arrested a man suspected in an armed robbery at a gas station

‼️UPDATE‼️ Earlier today, our robbery detectives arrested November 20, 2024, #WantedWednesday suspect Izaya Cuellar (35)…

1 day ago

Driver arrested for destroying the lawn of a Costa Mesa park while doing donuts with his vehicle

Late Friday night, police officers responded to Balearic Park regarding a vehicle doing “donuts” on…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.