Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in 2021 Double Homicide Case on Santa Barbara’s Eastside

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, a Santa Barbara County jury returned guilty verdicts against Angel Varela, 31, and Oscar Trujillo, 29, both of Carpinteria, following a jury trial related to a January 3, 2021 shooting that occurred in the 1200 block of Liberty Street in Santa Barbara.

After an approximate two-month trial, attorneys for both sides delivered closing arguments which was followed by a week of jury deliberation.

The jury found both defendants guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of two victims that succumbed to their injuries, and guilty of two counts of premeditated and deliberate attempted murder involving two additional victims, all from Santa Barbara.

The jury also found true the special circumstances that the defendants committed multiple acts of murder and the special allegation that defendant Varela discharged a firearm causing death.

In addition to the crimes committed on January 3, 2021, the jury found both defendants guilty of assault likely to cause great bodily injury for an assault that occurred on September 19, 2022, in Santa Barbara County Jail while the defendants were in custody awaiting trial.

Additional allegations were addressed in a bifurcated trial that concluded on Wednesday, January 21. The jury found true that the defendants were active participants in the Carpas gang of Carpinteria and that the murders were committed for the benefit of the gang, as well as other gang-related special allegations.

On the evening of January 3, 2021, Varela, Trujillo-Gutierrez and a juvenile drove from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara and attacked a group of individuals on the 1200 block of Liberty Street, Santa Barbara, with a firearm, killing two males and injuring two other males.

On April 8, 2021, members of the Santa Barbara Police Department and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office arrested the three suspects while a Carpinteria neighborhood was temporary placed on lockdown. SBPD and SBSO SWAT teams served warrants related to the investigation at two locations in the 1000 block of Cramer Road in Carpinteria and a residence under construction in the 2300 block of Golden Gate Ave in Summerland.  

The juvenile was prosecuted in Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court and after a trial in 2024, the court found true that he committed two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of premeditated and deliberate attempted murder for the benefit of the gang.

The two victims were identified as 17-year-old Angel Castillo and 18-year-old Omar Montiel-Hernandez.

Angel Castillo loved his family, especially his little brother. He dreamed one day of owning his own autobody shop. His loss has had a big impact on everyone that knew him.

Omar Montiel-Hernandez was a great brother and always looked out for his younger siblings. When Omar turned 18, he told his mother it was his turn to start taking care of her. Omar would often tell his mother, “La vida es tan bonita (Life is beautiful).”

The Santa Barbara Police Department stated this case involved an extensive investigation and a lengthy court process. In a statement, Chief Gordon thanked the detectives and officers who worked tirelessly during this investigation and also acknowledged the commitment of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, which secured this verdict and brought justice to the victims’ families.

“The Santa Barbara Police Department recognizes the significant impact this case has had on the victims’ families, loved ones, and the community, and acknowledges the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented,” the department stated.

Sentencing will be held on March 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 12 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court.  Both defendants will remain in custody without bail pending sentencing.  Each defendant faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.