Third Suspect Named in Slaying of Tustin Man

TUSTIN — Police have identified a third suspect in the slaying of a 26-year-old man in January on the doorsteps of his home.

Romelio Bustos Castaneda is sought in connection with the killing of Fernando M. Lopez. Lopez, who worked as an upholsterer, was found lying in the bushes near the entrance of his rented home in the 100 block of San Juan Street. He had been shot in the head.

Police said Castaneda should be considered armed and dangerous and is believed to be in Mexico. He may try to return to the United States because he has relatives in Santa Ana and in Washington state, police said.

Police arrested the suspect’s brother, Cirenio Bustos Castaneda, 41, last week after searching his Santa Ana home. He has been charged with murder. Also charged with murder is Romelio Castaneda’s 17-year-old son, police said.

Tustin police said Monday that they want to hear from anyone who saw one or more people running from the intersection of San Juan and Orange streets to Newport Avenue and San Juan Street on the evening of Jan. 4. The area is northwest of Tustin High School.

Anyone with information about the suspect or knowledge of any unusual activity the night of the murder is asked to call Investigator Tom Tarpley or Sgt. Mike Pettifer of the Tustin Police Department at (714) 573-3247 or (714) 573-3257. Callers can remain anonymous, police said.