SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES “ACCIDENTAL DEATH” AND CONCLUDES IT WAS HOMICIDE
In October 2019, Santa Cruz County Regional 911 Center received a medical aid call in the City of Watsonville. It was reported that 71-year-old Arnulfo Hernandez had fallen and was in need of assistance. Fire and ambulance personnel arrived and found Hernandez in grave condition from what was reported as an accidental fall. Hernandez was transported to Natividad Medical Center where he received treatment. Tragically, he passed away 4 days later as a result of his injures. Based on the information medical staff and the coroner’s office had at that time, Hernandez’ death was ruled an accident and the case was closed.
In late May of 2020, the Sheriff’s Office received new information that Hernandez’ death was as a result of a criminal act. We also learned that the actions that led to Hernandez’ tragic death had occurred in North Monterey County, making the Sheriff’s Office the responsible organization charged with seeking justice for Mr. Hernandez.
Sheriff’s Office Investigators began tirelessly working the case. Multiple interviews with first responders, witnesses and family members were conducted. As a result of all the information obtained from those interviews it was clear that Casto Luna, a 41-year-old a transient from the City of Watsonville, was responsible for Hernandez’ death.
Yesterday the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division with the assistance of the Watsonville Police Department Investigations Division, located and took Luna into custody in the area of Ford and Kilburn Streets in Watsonville. Luna was interviewed and admitted to his actions which resulted in the death of Mr. Hernandez. Luna was booked into the Monterey County Jail on murder, elder abuse resulting in great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, witness intimidation and spousal battery. Luna’s bail is currently set at $1,090,000.00. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Aras Wilson at 831-759-7203 or Detective Sergeant Bryan Hoskins at 831-755-3773.