Arrest in Fatal El Rio Shooting
July 3, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 30, 2024, detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau arrested (S) 
Alexis Bustillos for assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and unlawful transfer of a firearm. Upon review of the incident by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Bustillos was additionally charged with murder.
At approximately 2:55 A.M. on June 30, 2024, patrol deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Station responded to a reported shooting incident in the 1000-block of East Collins Street located in the unincorporated community of El Rio.
The investigation revealed that on June 30, 2024, during the early morning hours, Alexis Bustillos, (D) Anthony Leyva and an (V) Adult Male victim were together. The three subjects are known to each other. While the three subjects were together, a physical altercation occurred between all three subjects. During the altercation, Bustillos pointed a firearm towards Leyva and the adult male. Bustillos discharged the firearm, striking Leyva. Leyva was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy was performed on July 1, 2024, and the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the manner of death to be a homicide.
On July 2, 2024, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit presented the case to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of Penal Code 187(a) - Murder against Bustillos, along with the firearm charges.
Bustillos remains in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and his bail is set at $1,000,000.
The incident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses any information is asked to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Detective Nicole Grover or Detective Christopher Vorzimer at the below listed numbers.
Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
