Edgar Alejandro Becerra-Almaraz, 27, of Rohnert Park, California, was found dead on July 23, 2021, on a cannabis farm on Bell Springs Road in Laytonville, California. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots early that morning, and investigators from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office determined his death was a homicide.

The investigation identified Oscar Alvarez Ruiz, also from Rohnert Park, as the primary suspect. Ruiz was located after an extensive land and air search that included a helicopter crew; during that operation a deputy was injured. Ruiz was held at gunpoint when located, taken into custody, booked into the Mendocino County jail, and charged with murder. Charging documents state a Glock firearm was used and Ruiz was found in possession of cocaine; bail was set at $1 million.

This killing was one of several homicides in Mendocino County in 2021 linked in reports to the black market cannabis industry and the county’s struggles with rural poverty, isolation, and substance abuse. Does anyone have information about activities on Bell Springs Road or the people involved that could help investigators or the victim’s family?