North Bay Beheading Suspect Sought By Police

SANTA ROSA, CA — Police in Santa Rosa are searching for a man who investigators believe killed and decapitated a relative Thursday. In a bulletin shared Friday afternoon, the police said officers arrived on the 2500 block of Pomo Trail on reports of a possible homicide at 3:40 p.m. Thursday.

When officers entered the home, police said they found a dead woman inside with her head missing.

Detectives said an initial investigation suggested Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez, 24, of Santa Rosa, was responsible for the killing and left the home carrying the victim's head. According to police, Aroyo-Lopez was recently released from state prison where he was incarcerated for offenses that included assault with a deadly weapon.

He was last seen walking south on Iroquois Street. Police said they did not know where Aroyo-Lopez was going or whether he had access to a vehicle. He has relatives in the San Joaquin Valley but investigators said it was unknown if that was his destination.

Police released a physical description of the suspect Friday:

• Ethnicity: Hispanic.
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
• Weight: 150 pounds.
• Hair: Black.
• Eyes: Brown.
• Tattoos: A large "420" tattoo & a marijuana leaf on the left side of the head.
• Clothing: Long-sleeve, black hooded sweatshirt or jacket, black pants, and white shoes.

There is an active homicide warrant for his arrest, and Aroyo-Lopez is considered armed and dangerous. Police urge anyone who sees him to avoid contact and call 911 immediately.

Detectives are looking for additional information that could help the case, and the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards fund is offering up to $2,500 for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in the case. The police department plans to provide more details once the suspect is in custody.

Tips can be called in to 707-543-3590 or submitted via an online portal.