Former Santa Paula resident extradited from Mexico to stand trial for murder

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.