Man Extradited from Texas to Face Murder Charge in Pacific Beach Shooting

Felipe Villegas, 30, pleaded not guilty to killing Mary Garcia, 65, in 2022 on the Pacific Beach shore.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A man suspected of killing a stranger in Pacific Beach more than three years ago has been extradited to San Diego to face a murder charge. Felipe Villegas, 30, pleaded not guilty Friday in San Diego Superior Court to murder, as well as an allegation of using a firearm in the killing of Mary Garcia, 65, on Sept. 13, 2022.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of extraditing suspects across state lines and the challenges law enforcement can face in solving cold cases, especially when there appears to be no clear motive or connection between the victim and the alleged perpetrator.

The details

Villegas was arrested in Texas three days after Garcia's death for his alleged part in an armed robbery and carjacking. The extradition to San Diego remained on hold for nearly 42 months as the Texas case proceeded. Patrol officers responding to a report of an injured person found Garcia on the beach after midnight near the western terminus of Reed Avenue. Several people tried to aid her and paramedics took her to a hospital, but doctors there pronounced her dead.

  • On September 13, 2022, Mary Garcia was killed on the Pacific Beach shore.
  • Three days after Garcia's death, Villegas was arrested in Texas for an armed robbery and carjacking.
  • Villegas was extradited to San Diego and booked into the San Diego Central Jail on Wednesday.

The players

Felipe Villegas

A 30-year-old man who has been extradited from Texas to San Diego to face a murder charge for the 2022 killing of Mary Garcia.

Mary Garcia

A 65-year-old woman who was killed on the Pacific Beach shore in 2022.

Daniel Caldera

The son of Mary Garcia, who was initially suspected of her murder but later had all charges dropped.

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What they’re saying

“There does not appear to be any known connection between the victim and the suspect in this case.”

— Christopher Leahy, Acting Lt. (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Felipe Villegas out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in solving cold cases, especially when there is no clear motive or connection between the victim and the alleged perpetrator. It also underscores the complexities of extraditing suspects across state lines and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure the right person is held accountable.