A man who fatally shot a Carlsbad woman who broke off their brief relationship in 2003 is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday at the Vista Courthouse.
Gilberto Mendoza Castillo, 39, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and attempted murder for wounding the victim’s cousin. The defendant faces 48 years to life in prison.
Castillo admitted guilt in the 2003 death of 31-year-old Maria Munoz, a mother of three. Authorities said he fled to Mexico where he was arrested last year and returned to the United States for prosecution. Prosecutors said Munoz dated Castillo for about a month before ending the relationship.
The two worked together for a couple of years at Cessy’s Taco Shop in Carlsbad, along with her cousin, Miguel Silva. Castillo told police that he suspected Munoz was dating Silva.
The defendant found out that Munoz was picking up Silva at the taco shop the night of Dec. 7, 2003, and waited for them, according to authorities. Castillo shot Munoz six times. Silva was shot four times.
-City News Service
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