Man Wanted In 2011 Santa Clara Murder Likely Hiding In Mexico
SANTA CLARA (KPIX 5) – Authorities in Santa Clara are searching for a man who has been on the run for more than two years, after his drinking buddy was found dead.
"It was beyond rage. He was angry. He was upset. He was in a fit of not in control of himself anymore. We're talking multiple stab wounds," Lt. Kurt Clarke of the Santa Clara Police Department told KPIX 5.
Back in February 2011, victim Alphonso Barcenas Castillo and suspect Daniel Armenta were drinking beer in the suspect's garage on Monroe Street near Scott Boulevard.
According to authorities, the pair began to argue in the middle of the night and Armenta pulled a knife. Castillo tried to run, but Armenta caught up to him and stabbed him more than 15 times.
"We have stab wounds in his torso, we have stab wounds in the fingers, which is indicative of Alfonso trying to defend himself," Clarke said. "This person didn't just stop after one wound, he continued on and on and on."
Castillo stumbled across the street, losing blood and getting weaker with each step. The 31-year-old collapsed on the grass, where he died.
Around sunrise, a jogger found Castillo's body. By then, police said Armenta had a five-hour head start.
Investigators told KPIX 5 that Armenta called his family from a Greyhound station, claiming he was taking a bus to Mexico. He then ditched his cellphone.
When asked where Armenta was, Clarke said, "We have no idea."
Armenta may be somewhere in his hometown region of Turicato, Urapa or Puebla, all deep inside the territory of drug cartels. Detectives said Armenta's mother likely knows where he is, but won't give him up.
"It's frustrating," Clarke said. "But in a situation like this, we just want justice."
KPIX 5 attempted to contact the Armenta family, but police believe they have moved out of the area.
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