Castillo Death Ruled a Homicide

Santa Barbara police are treating the death of a 36-year-old man as a homicide, due to “suspicious circumstances,” spokesman Lt. Paul McCaffrey said early Monday.

The man, identified as Samuel Bautista Justo, was found after police responded to 730 Castillo Street on a call to check the welfare of a resident at the large house, which is divided into smaller, individual units.

Bautista was found dead in his room. No further information was readily available from police, who said the investigation was ongoing. Bautista has no prior criminal record in Santa Barbara, and had recently been looking for work around town.

A number listed for Bautista at the Castillo Street residence had been disconnected.

Police urge anyone with information about the victim to call detectives at (805) 897-2335.