Jury Finds Joaquin Cruz Guilty of Triple Murder in 2019 Stockton Gang-Related Shooting

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announces that on November 24, 2025, a jury found Joaquin Cruz guilty of three counts of first-degree murder for the March 22, 2019, killings of siblings David and Tiffany Connary and 18-year-old Remilio Castillo in Stockton.

From 2017 through 2019, Norteno gangs Varrio Latino Locos (VLL) and Garden Block Gangsters were engaged in a violent feud with East Oak, resulting in at least 16 shootings in Stockton. In response, the Stockton Police Department created a unit specifically dedicated to addressing and reducing the escalating gang violence.

In early 2019, victim Remilio Castillo, then a known East Oak member, posted two comments on Instagram responding to posts by Joaquin Cruz, a high-ranking and active VLL member at the time. The comments were viewed as disrespectful by Cruz and other VLL affiliates.

On March 22, 2019, Cruz located Castillo near his home, where he was sitting in a parked vehicle with brother and sister David and Tiffany Connary. Cruz and an accomplice drove up to the vehicle and opened fire.

David Connary, 19, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head. Remilio Castillo, 18, was killed by gunshots to the neck and torso, and Tiffany Connary, 18, was struck 15 times, including seven fatal wounds to the head. Investigators determined that neither David nor Tiffany Connary were involved in gang activity.

After reviewing extensive evidence and testimony, the jury found true all firearm and gang enhancements, along with special circumstance allegations, including murder committed by a criminal street gang member – PC 190.2(a)(22), murder committed by firing from a vehicle with intent to kill – PC 190.2(a)(21), and multiple murder special circumstance – PC 190.2(a)(3).

Cruz faces life without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 26, 2026.

“These young lives were stolen in a senseless act of gang violence that devastated two families and shook our community. This verdict delivers justice for David, Tiffany, and Remilio, and it reaffirms our unwavering commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. I commend the exceptional work of our prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and crime analysts who dedicated years to ensuring the truth was brought to light.”
— District Attorney Ron Freitas

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Stockton Police Department detectives for their diligent and thorough investigative work; to Chantel Aldana for exceptional case preparation and witness coordination; to our committed Victim Witness Advocates; and to our Crime Analyst Unit for their invaluable support throughout this case.

Both families continue to mourn the profound loss of these young lives. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crime and working with law enforcement partners to combat gang violence and keep our community safe.