Suspect in Planada homicide arrested at Mexican border

A 38-year-old man named as a suspect in a Christmas Day homicide was taken into custody Friday by Merced County sheriff’s deputies.

Hector Oseguera-Barajas of Planada was arrested shortly after 9:30 a.m. at the border crossing in San Diego County, according to a Sheriff’s Department press release.

Oseguera-Barajas was taken into custody by Detectives Sam Sanchez and Rafael Chavez.

During the investigation, Sanchez tracked Oseguera-Barajas to Mexico, where he was able to contact the suspect and persuade him to surrender. Detectives worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities in making the arrest, according to deputies.

Oseguera-Barajas was wanted in connection with the death of Jose Diaz Garcia, 32. Garcia was shot in the 300 block of Fancher Avenue in Planada.

Another Planada resident, Roberto Diaz Garcia, age unavailable, was also shot but survived.

Detectives say a Christmas night family barbecue turned violent after an argument broke out between family members. Investigators said the men had all been drinking alcohol and that drugs and gangs were not a factor.

Oseguera-Barajas will be brought back to Merced County and booked on suspicion of murder.

This story was originally published January 16, 2015 at 3:51 PM with the headline "Suspect in Planada homicide arrested at Mexican border."