SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A possible lover's quarrel could explain why a body was dumped in the back of a U-Haul Tuesday in Orcutt.
Police are calling 42-year-old Reyes Gonzales, a well-known gang member, and the latest of four suspects charged in the murder of 28-year-old Anthony Ibarra.
"He was booked into the county jail for violating his probation and subsequently to that arrest he has now been charged with murdering in connection with the investigation that has been ongoing," said Sergeant Dan Cohen, Santa Maria Police Department.
The investigation began Monday at 1142 West Donovan where police found evidence that an assault had occurred. It wasn't until Tuesday morning Ibarra's body was found stuffed in the back of a U-Haul truck found parked in an Orcutt neighborhood.
At the time, police arrested Ramon Maldonado, also a well-known gang member according to police, along with Carmen Cardenas and Pedro Torres.
Central Coast News asked police if Ibarra's body had any markings on it. "It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the state of the evidence," said Cohen.
The district attorney's office is alleging torture was used in Ibarra's death which would open the door for the death penalty.
"I can tell you that I am confident that at least two individuals are known and documented members of street gangs in the Santa Maria or Guadalupe area," said Cohen.
Sources tell Central Coast News the victim has two young children with a woman named Sunni Sosa, who we've learned is Gonzales' sister. Gonzales was also arrested last year after a drug raid at a home in Orcutt and charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance, child endangerment and probation violation.
"Your Santa Maria Police Department is investigating this crime diligently and was brought to resolution quickly and we will continue to work hard on this case," explained Cohen.
All four suspects are expected back in court on Friday morning for a formal arraignment on the charges against them.
