Marcelino Castro, 28, was arrested in California after allegedly confessing to killing two people on separate days. Prosecutors say he first tried to surrender at a county jail, but deputies did not believe him, prompting him to repeat the confession at San Jose Police Headquarters; the case has drawn attention because investigators say no clear motive has emerged.

According to police, Castro allegedly lured both victims by offering to smoke methamphetamine before killing them near the Guadalupe River. One victim was reportedly a friend who was strangled and had his throat cut, while the other was an unidentified person who was strangled and struck with a rock; Castro allegedly directed officers to the bodies. Authorities are investigating whether a third death could be connected and have said they cannot rule out additional victims. Castro remains jailed without bail and is due back in court on 8 December.