The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau, announces the arrest of a suspect for the Murder of 33-year-old Alejandro Casillas Jr., of Palmdale.
On May 31, 2026, Victim Casillas was reported missing to Palmdale Station personnel.
On June 5, 2026, Victim Casillas’ remains were recovered from the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined Victim Casillas died from multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.
On September 29, 2026, after an extensive investigation, 45-year-old Steven Mendez of Lancaster was arrested for the murder. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who filed one count of murder against Mendez.
No additional information is available at this time.
Original Press Release Below:
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Detail is asking for the public’s help locating At-Risk Missing Person, Alejandro Casillas Jr. who was last seen on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at approximately 3:00 am, at the intersection of Avenue F and 40th Street West, in the city of Lancaster.
Mr. Casillas Jr. is described as a 33-year-old male Hispanic adult, 6’02”, 180 lbs., brown hair with a fade, brown eyes and goatee. He was last seen wearing a gray long sleeve shirt and gray shorts. Mr Casillas Jr. is believed to be driving a 1995 Black Chevrolet GMT-400, CA license plate #4PJ3815.
Mr. Casillas Jr.'s family is concerned for his well-being as he suffers from mental health disorders.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau, Missing Persons Detail at 323-890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
