By Gina Yarbrough
Vista, CA–A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a homicide in Vista on Monday, authorities said.
Arturo Garcia Morales was taken into custody Friday in the 400 block of Seagaze Drive in Oceanside in connection with the death of Jose Garcia Ramirez. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on a murder charge, and is being held without bail. His arraignment is scheduled for April 8 at the North County Superior Court.
The investigation began March 30 when San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a deceased person on an empty lot in the 1200 block of Hacienda Drive in Vista. Deputies confirmed the individual was dead but initially observed no obvious signs of trauma.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and took custody of the body. During an autopsy conducted April 1, a brain bleed was identified that may have resulted from head trauma, prompting the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit to take over the investigation.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
