July 2, 2026 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have arrested three suspects on felony narcotics charges following an intensive investigation into the fatal suspected overdose that claimed the life of a young woman in Goleta.
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, at approximately 11:33 a.m., deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive female at Motel 6, on Calle Real in Goleta. Motel staff had attempted to contact the occupants after checkout time passed without a response. When an employee entered the room, she discovered an unresponsive woman and immediately called 9-1-1.
Deputies arrived and located 20-year-old Aylin Lizana Castillo deceased from a suspected accidental overdose. Based on the circumstances at the scene, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau assumed the investigation and immediately began working to determine the source of the narcotics believed to have caused her death.
Through investigative leads, detectives quickly identified multiple suspects believed to have trafficked illegal narcotics to the victim in this case. Over the next two days, detectives served search warrants and seized a multitude of narcotics including methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and ketamine. They also seized a semi-automatic 9mm “ghost gun” pistol, a high-capacity magazine, ammunition and over $2,000 in U.S. currency. As a result, the following suspects were arrested:
- Ofelio Hernandez, 31, was arrested on June 22, 2026, in the 1600-block of San Andres Street, Santa Barbara. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail with bail set at $1 million for felony transportation for sale of narcotics and felony transportation of a controlled substance.
- William Morrison, 44, was arrested on June 23, 2026, in the 400-block of Islay Street, Santa Barbara. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail with bail set at $1 million for felony possession of narcotics for sale, felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, felony transportation for sale, and felony transportation of a controlled substance.
- Jose Angel Hernandez Leos, 31, was arrested on June 23, 2026, in the 100-block of Vega Drive in Goleta. He was booked on felony charges including possession of narcotics for sale, purchase of a controlled substance for sale, transportation for sale, and manufacture of a firearm. He was later released on his own recognizance.
“This investigation demonstrates the all-too-often lethal consequences of illegal narcotics trafficking and use in our communities, as well as our unwavering commitment to holding those responsible for dealing these drugs accountable,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “The scourge of overdose deaths continues to devastate families throughout our county. In this case, our detectives moved immediately to identify those responsible for providing these dangerous drugs to the victim. We will continue to use every investigative tool and legal avenue available to us to seek out, identify, and bring to justice those who facilitate these tragic and preventable deaths.”
The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Castillo’s death and encourages anyone with information related to this case, or any illegal narcotics activity, to contact the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171 or submit information online at sbsheriff.org.
Source & photos: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
