The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Alberto Alonso Alencastro, one of three individuals indicted in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Avtar Singh, was arraigned in San Joaquin County Superior Court following his apprehension in Mexico.

On February 17, 2026, Mr. Singh was kidnapped from the Sikh Temple in Tracy, California. Surveillance footage captured three male suspects confronting Mr. Singh, physically struggling with him, and forcibly placing him into a white Nissan Rogue SUV. Three days later, on February 20, 2026, Mr. Singh’s body was discovered near Monticello Dam in the Lake Berryessa area of Napa County. An autopsy determined that his death was a homicide caused by asphyxiation.

The kidnapping and murder deeply affected the City of Tracy and surrounding communities. Mr. Singh was a husband, father, and member of the Sikh community. His tragic death left his family, friends, and community grieving and searching for answers. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which led to the identification of three individuals allegedly responsible for Mr. Singh’s kidnapping and murder.

On June 16, 2026, the San Joaquin County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Alberto Alonso Alencastro, Barnabe Antonio Segura, and Alfonso Cresencio Segura in connection with Mr. Singh’s kidnapping and murder. The San Joaquin County Superior Court subsequently issued arrest warrants for all three defendants.

On November 6, 2026, Alencastro was apprehended in Jalisco, Mexico, and transferred to the San Joaquin County Jail. On November 9, 2026, Alencastro was arraigned in San Joaquin County Superior Court on the following charges:

• Count 1: Murder – Penal Code § 187(a) with Special Circumstance: Murder during the commission of a kidnapping – Penal Code § 190.2(a)(17)(B)
• Count 2: Kidnapping – Penal Code § 207(a)

Alencastro is being held without bail. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 30, 2026, at 8:30 AM, Dept. 8C.

Barnabe Antonio Segura and Alfonso Cresencio Segura remain at large.

“Today is an important step toward justice for Avtar Singh and his family. This case demonstrates that our commitment to pursuing justice does not stop at county lines, state lines, or international borders. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners, following every lead and pursuing every avenue necessary to locate the remaining defendants. Avtar Singh was a husband, a father, and a valued member of the Sikh community. His family and loved ones deserve answers and justice. When I took office, I pledged to prosecute cases to the fullest extent of the law. We remain steadfast in that commitment, and our work will continue until all defendants are brought before the court to answer for the charges against them. I also want to recognize and thank the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Pat Withrow, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley, Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau, Homicide Paralegal Michelle Vargas, and Victim Witness Program Manager Gabriela Jaurequi. These cases require extraordinary teamwork, persistence, and commitment. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this investigation and prosecution. Our work continues until the remaining two defendants are also brought before the court.”

The District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Barnabe Antonio Segura or Alfonso Cresencio Segura to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or Stockton Crime Stoppers.