On Friday, April 24, 2009, just before 4:00 p.m., fifty-seven-year-old Demetrio Bautista was found deceased inside his 2001 Toyota Tundra in the parking lot of the Vista Transit Center. The victim was discovered by his daughter who was riding a bus that made a stop at the Vista Transit Center. She exited the bus and walked to her father’s truck. She then discovered that her father was inside the truck, but unresponsive. The victim’s daughter ran to a nearby business and requested that someone call 9-1-1.

Uniform patrol deputies from the Vista Sheriff’s Station and paramedics from Vista Fire Department responded to the scene where paramedics pronounced Bautista deceased. The autopsy later revealed that Bautista’s death was the result of foul play. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail assumed the investigation and tried to determine a motive for the murder. Although an extensive investigation was conducted, no viable suspects were identified during the original investigation. The motive remains unclear and the case remains unsolved.

Cold Case detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of Demetrio Bautista, but detectives still need the public’s help to identify the suspect or suspects. Sheriff investigators are hoping that due to the passage of time, those who have knowledge of Bautista’s senseless murder, have had a change of heart and will come forward and bring justice to Demetrio Bautista and his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us in one of the following ways:

• Sheriff’s Homicide Detail - 858-285-6330 (during business hours)
• Sheriff’s Communications Center - 858-565-5200 (outside business hours)
• Crime Stoppers - 888-580-8477
• E-mail Homicide Detail
• Online Tip Form (Crime Stoppers)