A man allegedly involved in the 2017 killing of another man found stabbed to death at a Vista apartment complex has been arrested and charged with murder, authorities said.
Adan Villa, 30, Villa pleaded not guilty to a count of murder on Tuesday, according to the
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Villa was arrested last Friday at the Vista courthouse in connection with the slaying of Miguel Ruiz, 31, whose body was found at the Shadowridge Meadows Apartments at 1515 S. Melrose Drive.
San Diego County Sheriff’s
Lt. Juan Marquez said deputies responded to the apartments just after 4:30 a.m. Jan. 14, 2017, after receiving a 911 call regarding a dead person in the complex’s laundry room.
Marquez said investigators “determined Ruiz was involved in a confrontation with several other individuals near the laundry room. The confrontation escalated and Ruiz was fatally stabbed.”
A criminal complaint filed against Villa alleges the killing happened sometime between Jan. 13 and Jan. 14.
The Sheriff’s Office did not disclose information regarding any other potential suspects, nor how Villa was identified as a suspect.
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No motive for the killing was disclosed, but according to the criminal complaint, the murder count includes an allegation that the crime was committed “for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote, further and assist in criminal conduct by gang members.”
Villa remains in county jail without bail.
Sheriff’s officials asked that anyone with information about the case contact the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330, the after hours line at 858-868-3200, or submit anonymous tips to
Crime Stoppers
at 888-580-8477.
