Man Arrested in Deadly Oceanside Canyon Shooting as Police Continue Investigation

Suspect Apprehended in Connection with June Homicide

A 36-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in a quiet Oceanside canyon earlier this month. Authorities have arrested Osvaldo Sixtos Lopez on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of 38-year-old Malietoa Rasmussen.

Tragedy in a Quiet Neighborhood

On the morning of June 7, Oceanside police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Country Club Lane after receiving reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered Rasmussen critically injured in a nearby gorge. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident stunned residents of the typically calm Oceanside neighborhood, where violent crimes of this nature are rare.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

After nearly two weeks of investigation, Oceanside detectives traced the suspect to a residence located on the 1600 block of Kraft Street, also in Oceanside. On Wednesday, Lopez was arrested without incident.

He was subsequently booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of first-degree murder. As of Friday, Lopez remains in custody without bail, awaiting his arraignment in court.

No Clear Motive Yet

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive behind the killing. It remains unclear what relationship, if any, existed between Lopez and Rasmussen. Investigators have continued to withhold additional details as they pursue further leads in the case.

Community Left Searching for Answers

As Oceanside police continue their work to understand what led to the deadly confrontation, community members are left grappling with the shock of the tragedy. Rasmussen’s family and friends are reportedly devastated by the sudden and violent loss.

Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.