Encinitas Man Arrested on Suspicion of Killing Brother

An Encinitas man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murdering his older brother Sunday night by after they got into an argument, according to homicide investigators with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department.

Encinitas resident Camilo Perez-Ruiz, 37, is believed to have killed his older brother Joaquin Perez-Ruiz, 44 and also an Encinitas resident, after the two got into a heated argument at a friend’s house nearby, said investigators.

“We don’t know what started the fight, but we do know someone had to get in between them to break it up,” said homicide detail Lt. Glenn Giannantonio during a press conference outside the Encinitas Sheriffs Station Wednesday afternoon.

Joaquin reportedly left the friend’s house on foot and Camilo soon followed in his truck. After finding his brother near the intersection of Windsor Road and Villa Cardiff Drive investigators believe Camilo aimed his truck at Joaquin, leaving him dead at the scene.

Giannantonio said Camilo drove away from the scene, but returned on foot within a few minutes. He called 911 around 11:30 p.m. to “report a man down.” When deputies showed up, he turned and walked away.

Giannantonio said “suspicious circumstances” prompted an investigation right away. For example, deputies knew the 911 call had come from Camilo’s cell phone, yet he fled the scene when authorities arrived.

Camilo’s truck was seized for evidence, which showed visible signs of the collision, and Camilo was arrested at his Encinitas home Tuesday night without incident, Giannantonio said. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and will likely be arraigned Friday or Monday.

Investigators do know both brothers had been drinking that night, though they don’t know to what extent—and neither brother had any criminal record. Investigators don’t know what sort of relationship existed between the brothers, though Giannantonio said Camilo has shown no notable reaction to his brother’s death.

According to the , there have been no other homicides reported in Encinitas for the first half of 2012.

Encinitas Patch will keep you posted as this story develops.