CHULA VISTA (NEWS 8) - Police Wednesday arrested two suspects in the slaying of a South Bay man whose body was discovered inside a barrel floating near the surface of San Diego Bay two months ago.
Timothy John Cook, 52, of Chula Vista and Derrick Jefferson Spurgeon, 38, of El Cajon were taken into custody about 4:30 a.m. in connection with the mysterious death of 28-year-old Omar Medina, according to police.
Investigators assigned to the case also served search warrants at a pair of residences on Rios Canyon Road in El Cajon and McIntosh Street in Chula Vista Wednesday morning.
Cook and Spurgeon were booked into San Diego Central Jail this afternoon on suspicion of first-degree murder and being an accessory to a crime, respectively.
During the two-and-a-half month investigation, Cook's neighbors they had seen police at his home. "They came and they took him. It was like a month ago. Only one time I saw him walking to the car," said Rosario Rosarles.
Medina's body was found by a diver on Oct. 12, stuffed inside a 55- gallon drum that was anchored to cinder blocks. Medina, a music producer from Chula Vista, had been reported missing by friends and family who had not seen him since Sept. 30.
Officials did not disclose what led them to identify Cook and Spurgeon as suspects in the slaying. A Chula Vista police spokesman did not return a telephone call seeking comment and further information about the case.
Alicia Villegas, Omar's sister, told News 8, "It's been a rollercoaster but definitely hate has not been something that has triggered our family in any way, shape or form."
Authorities have released no information about Medina's cause of death.
Julie Sanchez, Omar's family's friend said, "going forward we ask that you would respect the family's privacy during this grievance."
CVPD is asking for anyone with information on the case to contact the department at (619) 422-TIPS.