Photos and Video by Bob Crum

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that former Santa Paula resident and Mexican National Everardo Meza Alamillo (DOB 8/24/1969), has been extradited from Mexico to stand trial for the October 14, 1993, murders of his estranged wife, 21-year-old Adriana Castanon Meza, and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Armando Cauich, Jr. Special allegations for the personal use of a firearm and special circumstance allegations for multiple murder are also alleged. If convicted for the murders of Adriana Castanon Meza and Armando Cauich, Jr., Alamillo could face a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

On October 14, 1993, Adriana Castanon Meza’s roommates found her and her boyfriend, Armando Cauich, shot to death in her bed. Meza’s 2-year-old daughter was crying and was covered with blood. Alamillo was the last known person to see Meza alive, and his vehicle was found abandoned down the street from the murder scene. Detectives determined that Alamillo and had fled to Mexico immediately after the murders.

Alamillo was indicted on August 5, 1994, and a no-bail warrant was issued for his arrest. The FBI arrested Alamillo on the outstanding warrant in November 2015. Extradition proceedings were held in Mexican courts and Alamillo was ultimately returned to Ventura County on July 8, 2016.

On July 5, 2016, at approximately 12:43 AM, a traffic collision occurred resulting in a fatality in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, on State Route (SR)126, west of Hopper Canyon Road.

Richard Jay Gutman, 53 years old, of Leona Valley, was driving a 2013 Nissan Sentra with two passengers. The Nissan was traveling eastbound in the #2 lane of SR-126 west of Hopper Canyon Road. Mr. Pedro Santiagolemus, 26 years old, of Arvin, was driving a 2008, Hino two axle box truck attempting to merge onto eastbound SR-126 from northbound SS&J Road (farming road approximately .3 miles west of Hopper Canyon). For reasons still under investigation, the Hino box truck turned right (eastbound) from northbound SS&J Road into the #2 lane of eastbound SR-126, directly into the path of the Nissan. The right front passenger side of the Nissan struck the left rear of the Hino box truck, partially collapsing the passenger compartment. The right front passenger, Mrs. Audrey Gutman, 52 years old, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Mrs. Gutman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The two other occupants of the Nissan, Mr. Gutman and Thomas Belsheim, 53 years old, of Canoga Park, sustained minor injuries consisting of abrasions to their collar bone area from their seat belts. Mr. Gutman and Mr. Belsheim were treated on scene by Ventura County Fire Paramedics and were released on scene. Mr. Santiagolemus was treated and released by Paramedics on scene without injuries.

This incident resulted in the closure of the #1 and #2 eastbound lanes and the #1 westbound lane of SR-126 for approximately three and a half hours. The #2 westbound lane of SR-126 was used to alternate traffic through the scene. The Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and assisted with traffic control.

This collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Moorpark Area Office. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP's Moorpark office at (805) 553-0800.

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There were seven classes in the CERT course and each class lasted about 2 ½ hours with a total of 20 hours of training. The topics covered included: Introduction to CERT, General Emergency Preparedness and Earthquake Awareness, Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, two sessions of Disaster Medical Operations and preparing for Multi-Casualty Incidents, Light Search and Rescue Techniques and Operations, Team Organization and Management, Disaster Psychology and a Course Review and Disaster Simulation. The course also includes basic first aid, small fire extinguishment, and Hands-only CPR.

The CERT system developed from the need for a well-trained community emergency work force. The training program provides course graduates with self-sufficiency through the development of a wide range of skills. The graduates will be able to use the skills taught during emergencies and disasters in their homes, neighborhoods, at school and at the work place. The skills learned will be a lifelong asset.

The free training is intended for adults 18 years and older but youth were able to attend with their parent or guardians. The CERT training was in English. A Spanish CERT class may be offered at a later date.

CERT is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is Homeland Security’s grassroots effort that localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training and participate in community exercises and support local first responders.