Suspect, 21, Denies Murder Charge
A 21-year-old Santa Paula man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of murder, burglary and attempted robbery in the slaying last year of a Santa Paula market owner.
Jose “Pepe” Castillo stood behind his two public defenders during arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court. A preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 16. He is being held without bail.
Castillo is accused of fatally shooting 25-year-old Mirna Regollar during a botched robbery attempt June 2, 1998, at Junior’s Market, which the victim and her husband owned.
Prosecutors have filed special allegations that the killing occurred during the commission of a burglary and an attempted robbery, which make Castillo eligible for the death penalty if convicted. The district attorney’s office has not decided whether to pursue that sentence.
A 21-year-old friend of Castillo, Alfredo Hernandez, remains a possible suspect in the same slaying, authorities said. Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of murder but not charged for lack of evidence.
Authorities hope to gather additional evidence tying Hernandez to the crime, and Deputy Dist. Atty. Don Glynn said Monday that Hernandez’s possible involvement remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, Castillo is awaiting trial in juvenile court on charges of murdering Ventura teen Jesse Strobel during an attempted robbery six years ago when the defendant was 15. A trial is set in that case for Aug. 27.
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