Authorities Announce Arrest of El Monte Murder Suspect

Written by AARON CASTREJON 
CityWatch Editor 

EL MONTE - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide investigators arrested a suspect in the July 10 murder of a teenager.

South El Monte man Jonathan Alberto Castelan, 18, was arrested Monday, July 20. He was booked at the Sheriff’s Industry Station.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office officially charged Castelan with one count of murder in the stabbing death of 15-year-old Aziel Zacapala. Castelan was additionally charged with one count each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was additionally charged with the special allegation of causing great bodily injury.

Castelan pleaded not guilty to the charges July 22, according to Los Angeles Superior Court records.

El Monte Police officers were called by hospital staff July 10 and informed of three stabbing victims, two adults and Castelan; the latter died at the hospital. The adults were admitted in stable condition.

It is unclear if investigators learned a motive for the attack.

Castelan is scheduled to next appear in Pomona Superior Court August 24.

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