ST. PAUL, Minn. — Investigators pieced together the final moments of barbershop owner Gabriel Arrazola Perez, 44, using phone records, surveillance footage, and a WhatsApp location pin to trace the steps preceding his death on May 24. Authorities have charged Omar Andres Ramos Castro, 24, in connection with the fatal stabbing near railroad tracks, marking what has become a complex investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ramos Castro faces a single count of second-degree murder, an offense that could carry a sentence of up to 40 years. He is currently held in the Ramsey County Jail on a $2.5 million bond, with the trial date yet to be established. This case continues to progress through the legal system as investigators compile evidence and prepare for court proceedings.
Arrazola Perez’s last known activities began at a local brewery, where he spent time with family and friends before leaving around 4 p.m. After he did not return home, his family grew anxious, and phone records show he made multiple calls to the same number throughout the evening. That number was traced back to Ramos Castro, whose phone data indicated it was in the vicinity of the railroad tracks around the time police suspect the crime occurred.
Surveillance video from the area revealed two individuals near the tracks around 7:03 p.m. Later footage showed Arrazola Perez’s body in the same location between 8:55 p.m. and 11:12 p.m. Although the exact moments of the attack were not caught on camera, the recordings helped establish a timeline and indicated that Arrazola Perez was with another person. Additional video from a nearby convenience store also captured a man resembling Ramos Castro, adding crucial context to the investigation.
On May 25, a passerby discovered Arrazola Perez’s body. The individual contacted police, noting that the body was not there the day prior. Investigators subsequently located Arrazola Perez’s vehicle about half a mile away, further complicating the timeline of his final hours. The search yielded key evidence, including his cellphone, which a police dog helped find, though fingerprints on the device did not match Arrazola Perez.
Authorities discovered that a WhatsApp message directed Arrazola Perez to a location close to where his body was found, establishing a link between the two men. While the rationale for their meeting remains unclear, investigators have not disclosed further details about what might have transpired or whether any witnesses were present at the scene.
Upon questioning, Ramos Castro initially described only a brief, casual encounter with Arrazola Perez, suggesting they had connected over a potential job opportunity. Under evolving scrutiny of the evidence, however, his account shifted. He eventually admitted that he stabbed Arrazola Perez, claiming self-defense amid alleged unwanted advances from the victim. The nature of these claims could play a crucial role in the upcoming trial.
The medical examiner’s findings revealed multiple stab wounds, including injuries to Arrazola Perez’s back and neck, suggesting a violent altercation. As the prosecution prepares to deliver its case, experts predict a contentious defense endeavoring to frame the incident through the lens of self-defense.
Friends and family of Arrazola Perez have expressed their grief and disbelief, describing him as a cherished figure who provided support to many in the community. Known for his barbershop in Minneapolis, he was regarded as a protector and provider by those he loved. The emotional impact of his death resonates throughout the local community, with many grappling to comprehend the tragic circumstances.
Meanwhile, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a detainer against Ramos Castro, who reportedly entered the United States unlawfully. This immigration aspect adds another layer to an already complex legal situation. As the case navigates through the courts, the forthcoming trial will address critical issues of intent, evidence, and the accounts surrounding that fateful evening.
With no trial date currently set, attention remains on how the prosecution and defense will handle these intricate aspects of the case, each aiming to sway the court’s perception of the tragic events leading to Arrazola Perez’s death. The journey from investigation to legal proceedings is expected to continue to unfold in the coming months.