Suspect extradited in California Sikh temple worker murder case
- Alberto Alonso Alencastro was extradited from Mexico to face charges.
- Avtar Singh was kidnapped in a white SUV in February 2026.
- Investigators believe Singh was killed due to a case of mistaken identity.
- Two other suspects in the murder remain at large.
- A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the remaining suspects.
Alberto Alonso Alencastro, 25, appeared in a San Joaquin County court on Monday after being extradited from Mexico to face charges in the kidnapping and murder of Avtar Singh. The suspect was captured in Mexico last week following eight months on the run.
This development is the arrest in the February abduction and killing of the Tracy resident, whose remains were discovered near Lake Berryessa. While authorities have secured Alencastro, two other suspects connected to the case remain at large.
The pursuit of justice for the victim's family continues as authorities continue the manhunt for the remaining individuals. This case involves an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Tracy man.
Mistaken identity motive in cargo trailer theft
Video surveillance recorded three individuals forcing Singh into a white crossover-style SUV in daylight. Investigators determined that Singh was not the intended victim and was taken due to a case of mistaken identity.
The intended target was a person residing in Canada who had been receiving threats related to a stolen cargo trailer. Between February 25 and February 27, 2026, officials traveled to Canada and linked these threats to the cargo trailer theft.
Victim background and discovery of remains
Singh resided on the grounds of the gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, with his wife and children. He worked as the head cook for the temple and had long was a volunteer.
Three days after the kidnapping, investigators discovered his remains in a remote area near Lake Berryessa.
Manhunt for two remaining suspects
Two suspects in the case remain at large. These individuals have connections to Mexico and the Vallejo area.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the FBI and Mexican federal law enforcement agencies for their assistance in the capture of Alberto Alonso Alencastro.
Official statements on pursuing justice
Freitas said, "Our commitment to pursuing justice does not stop at county lines, state lines, or even international borders," adding that they will not stop until all defendants are apprehended.
San Joaquin County Supervisor Bob Rickman said, "Avtar Singh's family deserves answers.
Sikh community reward for information
The Sikh community has offered a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.
Demographics of the Sikh population in the United States
Sikh Americans are the sixth-largest religious group in the United States. Estimates for the adult Sikh population range from 78,000 to 280,000, with 500,000 being the most cited figure, though community organizations estimate the number is as high as 1,000,000.
Approximately 52% of U.S. Sikhs live in California. Sikhs reside in California, while 11% live in New York and 6% live in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
- California Sikh temple kidnapping-murder of Avtar Singh: Suspect arrested in Mexico after 8 months, two others remain on the run (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- Suspect in kidnapping, killing of Tracy man appears in court after extradition from Mexico (cbsnews.com)
- Sikhism in the United States (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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