Second woman accused of protecting beating death suspect

A woman who allegedly helped a suspect wanted in beating a man to death with a baseball bat is now also facing charges.

Regina Maria Garcia was charged with one felony count of hindering prosecution for the help she gave murder suspect Jonathon Roger Ochoa, who had been wanted in the April 18 bludgeoning death of 33-year-old Kendal Smith.

Garcia was arraigned before Yuma Justice of the Peace Greg Stewart, who ordered her bond remain at $50,000.

In addition to appointing a public defender to represent her, the judge scheduled her next court date, a preliminary hearing, for 4 p.m. May 11.

Capt. Eben Bratcher, of the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, said Garcia was arrested by deputies on Tuesday and booked into the Yuma County jail on charges of hindering prosecution and false reporting.

Bratcher said investigators developed information through the course of their investigation that Garcia had been helping Ochoa elude authorities. He added that he could not elaborate on what type of help she was providing because the case is still ongoing.

Ochoa, who was arrested Tuesday, is being held on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, facilitation to commit murder, conspiracy to commit murder, participation in a criminal street gang and criminal liability. He is scheduled to return to court Friday afternoon.

A second suspect, Manuel Bustamante, has not been caught. Sheriff investigators say they believe he has fled to Mexico. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 185 pounds, with a shaved head.

Anyone with information about this case or the location of Bustamante is asked to call YCSO at 783-4427, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.