San Miguel murder suspect identified

September 29, 2026

Jose Sevilla Ruiz

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified Jose Sevilla Ruiz, 66, as the man who allegedly shot and killed his wife in San Miguel Monday night.

Ruiz is accused of killing 60-year-old Reyna Espinosa, according to the sheriff’s office. The murder suspect was arrested Tuesday morning in Wasco.

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 500 block of River Road in San Miguel. When deputies arrived at the scene, they located Espinosa inside a residence. Deputies and medical personnel immediately began lifesaving measures, but Espinosa did not survive.

Detectives came out to the scene and immediately launched an investigation.

Ruiz had fled the scene before deputies arrived. Detectives followed up on leads, interviewed witnesses and worked to locate Ruiz.

Investigators determined the shooting followed a domestic disturbance and verbal argument between Ruiz and Espinosa. Detectives also obtained information indicating Ruiz was traveling eastbound out of San Luis Obispo County.

At about 8:45 a.m., authorities located Ruiz in Wasco. With assistance from the Wasco Police Department and CHP, members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit took Ruiz into custody without incident. 

Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. There are no additional suspects in the case.

The investigation into the killing remains ongoing. Anyone who has additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.