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Four Arrested—Aaron Olivas, Argel Barragan, Angel Chavez, Cynthia Murillo—and One Killed, Alberto Duran, in Expansive Wasco Murder Probe Into Death of Marissa Ramirez-Tellez; Retaliation Shooting Suspect Juan Humberto Loza Also Arrested; 20 Guns, 8 Stolen Vehicles, and Marijuana Grows Seized Across Kern County

Four Arrested—Aaron Olivas, Argel Barragan, Angel Chavez, Cynthia Murillo—and One Killed, Alberto Duran, in Expansive Wasco Murder Probe Into Death of Marissa Ramirez-Tellez; Retaliation Shooting Suspect Juan Humberto Loza Also Arrested; 20 Guns, 8 Stolen Vehicles, and Marijuana Grows Seized Across Kern County
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Four Arrested, One Killed in Expansive Wasco Murder Probe: 34-Year-Old Marissa Ramirez-Tellez Gunned Down, 20 Guns, 8 Stolen Vehicles, and Marijuana Grows Seized Across Kern County; I-5 Retaliation Killing of Suspect Alberto Duran Tied to Broader Criminal Operation”

A sweeping multi-agency homicide investigation in Kern County has uncovered a sprawling web of violence, weapons trafficking, and illegal operations stretching from Wasco to Interstate 5. The probe—triggered by the murder of 34-year-old Marissa Ramirez-Tellez—has resulted in four arrests, one retaliatory killing, the seizure of 20 firearms, the discovery of eight stolen vehicles, and the eradication of marijuana grows across multiple properties.

At the heart of this rapidly developing case is a disturbing cycle of organized criminal activity, retaliation, and deadly violence, with Marissa Ramirez-Tellez caught in its deadly grip.

Initial Homicide: June 29, 2025

The case began on the night of June 29, 2025, when deputies with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to the 700 block of Wildwood Road, west of Wasco. There, Marissa Ramirez-Tellez, a resident of Wasco, was found gunned down outside a home. Homicide detectives quickly determined the 34-year-old was killed by four armed assailants, though the motive for the targeted attack was not immediately disclosed.

Her death sent shockwaves through the local community. Ramirez-Tellez was remembered by friends and family as a devoted mother and hard-working member of the Wasco community. Candlelight vigils and social media tributes poured in following confirmation of her identity by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

First Major Development: June 30, 2025 – The Killing of Alberto Duran

Just one day after the murder, the investigation took a dramatic turn. Authorities identified 38-year-old Alberto Duran as one of the suspected shooters involved in Ramirez-Tellez’s death. But before he could be arrested, Duran himself was found shot—inside a vehicle on Interstate 5 near Highway 46.

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), Duran was discovered critically injured behind the wheel. He succumbed to his wounds while en route to a hospital. Investigators quickly linked his killing to the earlier murder in Wasco, describing the shooting as a likely act of retaliation.

Explosive Raids and Arrests: July 7–9, 2025

Over the course of the next week, KCSO and its partner agencies launched a series of coordinated search and arrest operations across Wasco and the surrounding areas. These efforts culminated in a string of arrests and major seizures.

July 7 – Pistachio Street Raid

  • 43-year-old Aaron Olivas was arrested on murder and attempted murder charges.

  • 56-year-old Cynthia Murillo was arrested as an accessory to murder.

  • Authorities recovered 12 guns during this operation.

July 8 – 80-Acre Compound Raid

In a bold early-morning raid involving:

  • KCSO SWAT,

  • Bakersfield Police,

  • California Dept. of Fish & Game,

  • Animal Control,

  • Search & Rescue,

  • and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program—

Officers stormed a vast 80-acre compound, allegedly used for illegal marijuana cultivation and the dismantling of stolen vehicles.

Seized during the raid:

  • 3 firearms,

  • 2 stolen vehicles,

  • and the eradication of 4 marijuana grows.

The operation was supported by aerial surveillance from KCSO’s Air Support Unit.

Same Day – Arrest of Argel Barragan

  • 28-year-old Argel Barragan was located near Wildwood Road and Pond Road.

  • A firearm was recovered from his vehicle.

  • Barragan was arrested on murder and attempted murder charges.

Later That Day – Search Near Garces Highway

KCSO detectives served another warrant near Wildwood Road and Garces Highway, seizing:

  • 2 more firearms,

  • and 6 additional stolen vehicles, recovered by the Rural Crime Investigations Unit.

July 9 – Arrest of Angel Chavez

  • 24-year-old Angel Chavez was located and arrested on Almond Tree Court in Wasco.

  • He was charged with murder and attempted murder.

  • A search of his residence yielded 2 more firearms.

Motive and Retaliation: The Loza Connection

In a shocking development, authorities arrested 28-year-old Juan Humberto Loza on July 1 after a lengthy manhunt in Shafter. Loza is suspected of murdering Alberto Duran in what officials are now calling retaliation for the murder of Ramirez-Tellez.

According to court documents, Loza stalked Duran, lied in wait, and followed his vehicle before executing the fatal shooting on I-5. Investigators believe the motive was deeply personal, likely stemming from gang-related loyalties or retribution within the local criminal network.

What the Investigation Has Yielded

As of July 9, the Wasco murder investigation has resulted in the following:

  • 5 total suspects either arrested or killed:

    • Alberto Duran (deceased)

    • Aaron Olivas (arrested)

    • Argel Barragan (arrested)

    • Angel Chavez (arrested)

    • Cynthia Murillo (arrested as accessory)

  • 1 additional arrest in connection to Duran’s murder:

    • Juan Humberto Loza (arrested)

  • 20 firearms recovered across multiple locations.

  • 8 stolen vehicles found and seized.

  • 4 marijuana cultivation sites destroyed.

  • Vast regional coordination across law enforcement agencies including:

    • KCSO

    • CHP

    • Bakersfield PD

    • Fish & Game

    • Animal Control

    • Search & Rescue

    • Rural Crimes Unit

    • HIDTA

    • SWAT

    • Air Support

Highway Shutdowns and Public Safety Warnings

Due to the magnitude of the police operations and the dangers posed by armed suspects, Highway 43 between San Diego Street and Burbank Street was temporarily shut down during periods of heightened activity. KCSO advised residents to avoid the area, noting that the investigation remains active and more arrests could follow.

Community Impact and Law Enforcement Appeal

The case has brought to light a deeply entrenched criminal infrastructure operating within rural Kern County—an area increasingly plagued by violent crime, illegal marijuana grows, and auto theft.

KCSO continues to ask for public assistance, urging anyone with knowledge of the suspects, stolen vehicles, or firearms to call:

  • KCSO Homicide: (661) 861-3110

  • Kern Secret Witness: (661) 322-4040

As this high-profile case evolves, the murder of Marissa Ramirez-Tellez remains the central act of violence from which this intricate network unraveled. Law enforcement officials say they are committed to dismantling the full scope of criminal operations connected to this case—and bringing justice for Marissa, her family, and a shaken Kern County community.

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