Last week, California police made a shocking arrest in a murder-for-hire plot involving a Victorville pastor. Samuel Pasillas, 47, was charged with solicitation for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon.
The investigation revealed that Pasillas allegedly contacted hitmen, including Juan Manuel Cebreros, 55, offering them nearly $40,000 to kill his daughter's boyfriend in October 2023. Detectives found evidence that Pasillas met with the hired men, provided them with information about the victim, and paid them the agreed amount for the crime.
The incident unfolded on October 21, 2023, in the Orangecrest neighborhood of Riverside. The victim, who sustained gunshot wounds in a targeted attack while driving, managed to transport himself to a hospital for treatment. Law enforcement recovered crucial evidence from the crime scene, leading to a thorough investigation by the Riverside Police Department's specialized units.
Authorities determined that the motive behind the shooting was a murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by Pasillas, who is a pastor at a Spanish-speaking church in Victorville. The victim, who was dating Pasillas' daughter, became the target of the alleged plot.
In addition to Pasillas, Cebreros was also arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. Both suspects are being held on $1 million bond as the legal proceedings continue.
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with personal disputes escalating to extreme criminal acts. The swift action taken by law enforcement underscores their commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the community from such heinous crimes.
