SANTA PAULA : 2 Brothers Sought in Cousin’s Slaying

Two men suspected in the slaying of a Santa Paula man were identified by police Tuesday as his cousins, Arturo Maya Tellez and Jesus Maya Tellez.

The Tellez brothers remained at large Tuesday, Santa Paula Police Cmdr. Bob Gonzales said.

The men, who lived in Santa Paula with their wives, are wanted for murder and attempted murder in the Sunday shooting at Teague Park that left Javier Tellez Garcia, 27, dead and his cousin, Jose Tellez Vasquez, seriously injured.

Vasquez, 32, was listed in stable condition Tuesday at Ventura County Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Jesus Tellez, 21, drove his 24-year-old brother to the park, where Arturo Tellez shot Vasquez with a semiautomatic 9-millimeter pistol as Vasquez left the restroom, police said.

Arturo Tellez then walked toward Garcia, who ran, Gonzales said. Garcia was shot three times. Arturo Tellez fled on foot and Jesus Tellez escaped in a car, Gonzales said.

Gonzales said the Tellezes’ brother apparently firebombed Garcia’s car in Mexico. Garcia was instrumental in collecting testimony that aided the prosecution against the brother, who was sent to prison in Mexico, Gonzales said.

Police are also investigating other incidents that may have led to a family feud, Gonzales said.

Gonzales said police, worried about the possibility of retaliation among family members, are keeping an eye on the neighborhoods where family members live.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen,” Gonzales said. “The immediate family members of the deceased appear to be very sincere, however, they’re very upset.”