Wasco Homicide Investigation Expands as Suspect is Found Murdered; Three Others Taken into Custody
WASCO, CA — “On June 29, 2025, KCSO began investigating the murder of Marissa Tellez near Wasco. Detectives determined she was killed by four armed suspects.
On June 30, suspect Alberto Duran (38) was identified, but later found murdered.
On July 7, KCSO arrested Aaron Olivas (43) for Murder and Attempted Murder, and Cynthia Murillo (56) for Accessory. A search warrant at a Wasco residence led to the seizure of 12 firearms.
On July 8, KCSO executed a large-scale search at an 80-acre compound used for marijuana cultivation and dismantling stolen vehicles. Assisting agencies included CHP, Bakersfield PD, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Kern Animal Control, KCSO Search & Rescue, and KCSO SWAT. HIDTA eradicated four marijuana grows. KCSO Detectives recovered three firearms and CHP’s KernCATT recovered two stolen vehicles.
Later that evening, HIDTA and Air Support arrested Argel Barragan (28) near Wildwood Rd. A firearm was found in his vehicle. That same night, KCSO’s Gang Suppression Unit and Rural Crime Investigations Unit served a warrant at another property, recovering two more firearms and six stolen vehicles.
On July 9, HIDTA arrested Angel Chavez (24) in Wasco. Two additional firearms were located at his residence.
In total:
- 4 arrests (Olivas, Murillo, Barragan, Chavez)
- 20 firearms seized
- 8 stolen vehicles recovered
- 4 marijuana grows eradicated
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact KCSO at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.”
