2003 Carlsbad Homicide Case to Go to Trial May 9

Updated 12:15 p.m. Wednesday

A man accused of fatally shooting a Carlsbad mother of three who had broken off their brief dating relationship in 2003 is mentally competent to stand trial, a judge ruled today.

After reviewing a doctor's report, Judge Joseph Brannigan found that Gilberto Mendoza Castillo understands the charges against him and can assist his attorney at trial.

Murder and attempted murder charges were reinstated and trial was set for May 9. Castillo, 39, is charged in the death of 31-year-old Maria Munoz. Authorities said he fled to Mexico after the slaying but was arrested there last year and returned to the United States for prosecution. Prosecutors alleged the victim 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 then allegedly approached the pair with a gun and shot Munoz six times. Silva was shot four times but survived.

A readiness conference is scheduled April 17 at the Vista Courthouse.

–City News Service