3 people arrested in El Paso in connection with Topeka, Kansas-area homicide

Three people wanted in a homicide near Topeka, Kan., were arrested and are being held at the El Paso County Jail, police said.

Ashley Alcala was found severely beaten in her Kelly, Kan., home last week.

Her husband, 32-year-old Manuel Campos Alcala, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in her death. He had his first appearance in Shawnee County court Tuesday morning.

Three others, 57-year-old Manuela Alcala and 19-year-old Gabino Alcala, of the 400 block of Francisco Avenue, and 19-year-old Benjamin Anaya of the 100 block of Camille Drive in El Paso, were also wanted in the death. All three are charged with first-degree murder.

El Paso police arrested Manuela Alacala at her home. She is also charged with being a fugitive from justice and is being held without bond.

Gabino Alcala and Anaya were arrested after being pulled over for a traffic violation in the 11000 block of McCombs Street. Police said they tossed out a sock out containing various illegal narcotics.

Gabino Alcala was arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of a controlled substance and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Anaya was charged with two counts of possession of controlled substance, two counts of revocation of probation warrants and tampering with or fabricating evidence.

According to KTKA in Topeka, Kelly police found Ashley Alcala badly beaten inside her home on Oct. 17. She was taken to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center, where she was pronounced dead. Police have not released her cause of death.

Janene Absher, who lives across the street, told KTKA that Ashley Alcala and her family were kind and always helpful.

“When my husband came home from the hospital, she was the first neighbor to come over and say, ‘If you need my help, if you need anything just let me know, I’m right across the street,'” Absher said. “Just always so helpful and friendly. When the kids would have a birthday, she shared the birthday cake and (was) always out in the yard it was always a greeting. … Just a very caring neighbor.”

Neighbors told KTKA Ashley Alcala was married with two young children. They say they feel safe in the area, but always use caution.

This is the 11th homicide of the year in Topeka.

(Oct. 2012 story)