The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of Alberto Alonso Alencastro, a primary suspect in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Avtar Singh, a man from Tracy. Alencastro was apprehended in Mexico and has since been transferred to the San Joaquin County Jail.

Background of the Case

Avtar Singh’s lifeless body was discovered near Lake Berryessa on February 20, three days after his abduction from a Sikh temple in Tracy. Surveillance footage revealed that Singh was forcibly taken by three individuals traveling in a white crossover SUV.

Current Status of Suspects

While Alencastro is now in custody, the investigation continues for the remaining suspects, Alfonso Cresencio Segura Arellano and Barnabe Antonio Segura Arellano, who have not yet been apprehended.

Victim’s Background

Singh resided at the Tracy Gurdwara alongside his family, which includes a wife and three young children, born shortly before the kidnapping incident.

Details of the Investigation

Authorities believe that Singh was mistakenly identified as a target. The actual perpetrator aimed to locate an individual residing in Canada amid ongoing threats related to a stolen trailer. The investigation team visited Canada between February 25 and 27 and confirmed that this intended target had been receiving threats connected to the trailer theft.

The Sheriff’s Office indicated that the motive behind the crime was linked to the theft, which prompted the suspects to pursue and eliminate the intended target.

Call for Information

Law enforcement is urging anyone with pertinent information regarding the case to reach out by calling 209-468-4400.