On June 30, 2024, at approximately 2:55 a.m., 23-year-old Oxnard resident Anthony Leyva was fatally shot in the 1000 block of East Collins Street in the unincorporated community of El Rio, California. Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, where they found Leyva suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Leyva succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The investigation revealed that Leyva had been in the company of two other men during the early morning hours: 29-year-old El Rio resident Alexis Bustillos and a 23-year-old man from Ventura. The three individuals, who were acquainted, became involved in a physical altercation. During the confrontation, Bustillos allegedly brandished a firearm, pointing it at both Leyva and the other man, before discharging the weapon and striking Leyva.
Following the incident, Bustillos was arrested on charges including 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. After further investigation, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office filed an additional charge of murder against Bustillos on July 2, 2024. He remains in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at $1,000,000.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Leyva's death. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Nicole Grover at 805-384-4722 or Detective Christopher Vorzimer at 805-384-4731.
