Full Notification

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division and Gang Enforcement Unit have identified and arrested 21-year old Bryan Rios of Santa Maria as a 5^th person who is alleged to have played a direct role in the death of Javier Limon.  Rios was arrested in the City of Santa Maria yesterday, July 23, with the assistance of parole agents from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Sheriff’s detectives requested the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office file the violations of California Penal Code § 187 – Homicide, and 186.22(b)(1) – gang allegation on Rios.     

Javier Limon’s body was discovered by a group of field workers on August 19, 2014 near the entrance to Guadalupe Dunes.  Sheriff’s detectives determined the 37-year-old Santa Maria resident had been murdered and launched an investigation into locating and arresting those responsible.  In September 2014, detectives arrested Gregorio Agustine, Arturo Granados and Yesenia Granados, all from Santa Maria, for the roles they are suspected to have played in the homicide. 

Earlier this month, July 2015, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on Joseph Morales of Santa Maria, for his involvement in the homicide by ordering the murder of Limon via cell phone from his prison cell. 

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this case and is requesting anyone who has information, to call the Sheriff’s anonymous tip-line at (805) 681-4171.