Rony and Josue Castaneda: Brothers convicted of beating groom to death hours after crashing wedding reception
CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Two brothers have reportedly been convicted of murdering a groom just hours after he exchanged vows in 2019. Rony and Josue Castaneda were found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the killing of Joe Melgoza, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office said in a press release on Wednesday, March 1. The duo was also convicted of assault with a deadly weapon for injuring Juan Bustamonte, the bride’s brother.
Melgoza was celebrating in the early morning hours of December 15 when the Castaneda brothers crashed his wedding reception that was held in a family member's backyard in Chino, California. As per investigators, the siblings did not know the groom personally but lived close to the home of his wife's family. "They lived nearby and likely heard the festivities and went to the reception," said the DA's office, according to People.
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Killers tried to harass guests
The Castaneda brothers picked a fight with some of the guests and even teased some women by attempting to click pictures with them. They were soon asked to leave the reception but came back through a trail behind the home. The brothers stood behind the fence and harassed Melgoza, asking him to leap over to the other side. "Once Melgoza and his family jumped the fence, the brothers began hitting them all with bats and fists," the release noted.
"A family member was able to pull a bat from one of the Castaneda brothers who ran into an unrelated residence. They were followed by Melgoza, who ran into the yard unarmed. A few minutes later the Castaneda brothers were seen jumping the fence out of the unrelated residence with a single bat, which was never found," the press release continued. The groom was immediately rushed to the Chino Valley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife of a few hours, Esther Bustamante Melgoza, and his 11-year-old daughter.
Reception photos helped nab killers
During the investigation, Josue told authorities that he was never at the reception but some pictures, submitted by the witness, shot down his claims. The DA officer added that the pictures from the reception helped police to locate the brothers. "I commend my colleagues' dedication to this case and determination to seek justice for a family who endured such unimaginable grief during a time that should be filled with love and happiness," said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson. "Although this conviction can never undo the pain caused by two individuals' actions, I hope it brings a measure of closure to the wife and loved ones of Joe Melgoza." Rony and Josue Castaneda are scheduled to be sentenced on March 13.
Following Melgoza’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to raise money for his funeral expenses. The fundraising page described the groom as "a loving son, brother, father, cousin, partner, family member, and friend." "He always had a way to make you smile. He was there for you at any time to give a helping hand. He was taken from us in such a tragic and horrific way," the page added.