Photo: Image of suspect Alexis Bustillos | All photos courtesy of Ventura Sheriff’s Office
On June 30, 2024, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau arrested 34-year-old Oxnard resident Alexis Bustillos for 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. According to VCSD spokesman Sgt. Francisco Jauregui, “following a review by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office,” Bustillos was additionally charged with murder.
It was a 911 Emergency report of “a shooting incident” that brought patrol deputies to the scene at approximately 2:55 a.m. Immediately prior to the reported violence, Bustillos and Anthony Leyva were together when “a physical altercation” broke out, during which Bustillos discharged a firearm, striking Leyva. Leyva was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
An autopsy performed on July 1, 2024, by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Leyva’s death was a homicide. On July 2, 2024, detectives presented the case to the District Attorney’s Office, which filed one count of murder against Bustillos “along with the firearm charges.” Bustillos remains in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at $1,000,000.
