Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas for Fatal Shooting of Man at Budget Inn

A man suspected of murdering another man in a Budget Inn in Hayward last month has been arrested in Las Vegas, police said today.

Pedro Cruz, 34, has been charged in the murder of Carlos Cetina, 24, who was found dead in a motel room at the Budget Inn at 21598 Foothill Blvd. in Hayward on June 5 at about 11:50 a.m., according to Hayward police.

According to a probable cause statement by Hayward police Inspector Michael Woods, Cetina had rented a room in the motel the previous day and allowed a couple doing methamphetamine to stay in the room during the day. Woods said Cruz allegedly came to the room later that night with a woman and started questioning Cetina about his tattoos.

When Cetina did not answer, Cruz purportedly grabbed his clothing and tried to see his tattoos. Cetina apparently resisted Cruz’s attempts to see his tattoos, and Cruz allegedly shot him in the head, according to Woods.

Cetina died in the room and was discovered the next morning. A witness who was present in the room identified Cruz as the shooter, Woods said. Police investigators obtained a warrant for Cruz’ arrest and found out he was in Las Vegas. Officers contacted the FBI, who arrested Cruz on July 18, according to police. Cruz remains in custody in Clark County Detention Facility in Nevada and has waived extradition.

Hayward police are working to get an extradition letter signed by Brown to force Cruz’ return to California. According to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Cruz was previously convicted of felony assault in 2003 and is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

—By Bay City News