By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department reports that Juan Gastelum, 28, of Hermiston was transported to the Grant County Jail this afternoon. He was arrested by Hermiston police on a traffic violation and held due to the fugitive warrant issued by Moses Lake.
Gastelum is accused of second-degree murder and second-degree rape in the death of Yanira Cedillos, 30, of Moses Lake. She disappeared March 4 from a party celebrating her 30th birthday.
Gastelum initially fought extradition, but Gov. Jay Inslee issued an extradition warrant for him. Moses Lake Police officials say that the suspect waived extradition yesterday.
Detectives used Gastelum’s phone to pinpoint his location at key times during the alleged crime. They said it led them to a remote area in Walla Walla County where, on May 12, her remains were located.