Carson City man jailed in 2015 murder of Newport Beach, Calif. philanthropist
Carson City Sheriff's Office investigators assisted Newport Beach, Calif., detectives in last month's arrest of a Carson City man for his alleged involvement in the murder of an elderly southern California philanthropist.
Anthony Thomas Garcia, 56, was arrested July 28 by Newport Beach Police Department detectives in Carson City. He is awaiting extradition to California to face a charge of murder with enhancement for financial gain.
On April 11, 2015, the Newport Beach Police Department responded to a residence in reference of a reported death. The deceased was identified as Abelardo Lopez Estacion, an 81-year-old resident of the home. The circumstances of the death appeared suspicious and detectives have been actively investigating the case for the past 16 months.
During the course of the investigation, detectives determined Estacion’s death was a homicide and identified Garcia as a suspect in the case.
According to the Orange County Register, Estacion was a retired accountant and a philanthropist, active with the Elks Lodge in Santa Ana, and provided sponsorship of more than 50 college scholarships.
On July 28, 2016, Newport Beach detectives apprehended Mr. Garcia in Carson City. CCSO investigators were also involved in the arrest.
The Newport Beach Police Department is asking anyone with additional information to contact Sgt. Ryan Peters or Detective Justin Morouse at 949-644-3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s hotline at 1-800-500-NBPD. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is being released at this time.