SAN DIEGO — A suspect in a 2023 homicide in the Colina Del Sol neighborhood of San Diego has been arrested while attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico, authorities announced on April 16, 2026. Jose Campas, 34, was detained at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry as he crossed the border, ending a more than two year long manhunt for the man accused of killing 35 year old Kevin Billingsley.

The shooting occurred on December 21, 2023, in the 4900 block of El Cajon Boulevard. Two San Diego Police officers assigned to the Mid-City Division witnessed the shooting while they were driving in the area. They saw a suspect fire from the passenger side of a dark colored SUV, which then drove westbound on El Cajon Boulevard. The officers stopped to provide aid to the shooting victim until paramedics arrived.

Despite their efforts, Billingsley later died from his injuries at the hospital. Investigators identified Campas as the driver of the SUV, and he was taken into custody on Tuesday. He has been booked into county jail for Billingsley’s murder.

The Shooting A Brazen Act Witnessed by Police

The incident occurred on December 21, 2023, in the 4900 block of El Cajon Boulevard in the Colina Del Sol neighborhood of San Diego. Colina Del Sol is a residential area in the eastern part of the city, known for its diverse community and convenient access to major thoroughfares. El Cajon Boulevard is a busy east west artery that runs through several San Diego neighborhoods.

Two San Diego Police officers assigned to the Mid-City Division were driving in the area when they witnessed the shooting. That detail is extraordinary. Most shootings are discovered after the fact, when a 911 call comes in or when a victim is found. In this case, police officers saw the shooting happen in real time. They saw a suspect fire from the passenger side of a dark colored SUV. They saw the muzzle flash, heard the gunshot, and watched as the SUV drove away.

The officers did not hesitate. They stopped to provide aid to the shooting victim. They likely radioed for paramedics while applying pressure to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. They did everything they could. But the victim, later identified as Kevin Billingsley, had been shot at least once in the upper torso. That is a critical area, containing the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. A gunshot wound to the upper torso is often fatal.

Billingsley was transported to a hospital, but despite the efforts of the officers and the paramedics, he later died from his injuries.

The Victim Kevin Billingsley, 35

Kevin Billingsley was 35 years old. He was a resident of San Diego. On the night of December 21, 2023, he was riding his bicycle westbound on El Cajon Boulevard. He was doing nothing out of the ordinary. He was just riding his bike.

According to detectives, Billingsley and the occupants of the SUV had some sort of interaction, possibly an argument. The original article does not specify what the argument was about. It may have been a road rage incident, a personal dispute, or a random confrontation. What is known is that words were exchanged, and then a gun was fired.

Billingsley was shot at least once in the upper torso. He died at the hospital. His family was left to grieve, and the San Diego Police Department was left to investigate.

The Investigation Identifying the Suspects

San Diego Police homicide detectives launched an investigation immediately. They had the advantage of officer witnesses, but they still needed to identify the people in the dark colored SUV. The officers had seen the shooting, but they may not have gotten a clear look at the suspects’ faces. The SUV was dark colored, and it fled the scene quickly.

Detectives worked the case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and following up on leads. Over time, they identified the people who were inside the SUV. They identified the driver as Jose Campas, 34. They also identified the passenger who fired the weapon, though the original article does not name that individual.

Campas was not arrested immediately. He may have fled the area, or the investigation may have taken time to build sufficient evidence for an arrest. Whatever the reason, Campas remained free for more than two years.

The Arrest Crossing the Border at Otay Mesa

On Tuesday, April 16, 2026, more than two years after the shooting, Jose Campas was detained as he crossed into the United States from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Otay Mesa is one of the busiest border crossings in California, located southeast of downtown San Diego. It is a major entry point for vehicles and pedestrians crossing from Tijuana.

Campas was likely trying to return to the United States after spending time in Mexico. He may have thought that the passage of time had cooled the investigation. He may have thought that he could cross the border without being noticed. He was wrong.

He was detained by customs and border protection officers and turned over to the San Diego Police Department. He was taken into custody and booked into county jail for Billingsley’s murder.

The original article does not specify whether Campas was the shooter or just the driver. The officers witnessed a suspect firing from the passenger side of the SUV, meaning that the shooter was someone else. Campas was the driver. However, under California law, an individual can be charged with murder if they were involved in the commission of a crime that led to a death, even if they did not personally pull the trigger. This is known as the felony murder rule. Campas was driving the getaway vehicle, and he may have been part of the argument that preceded the shooting. He is being held accountable for his role.

The Charges Murder

Jose Campas has been booked into county jail for Billingsley’s murder. The original article does not specify the exact charges, but they likely include murder, attempted murder, or assault with a deadly weapon. He will appear in court to face these charges. If convicted, he faces a significant prison sentence.

The passenger who actually fired the weapon has not been named in the original article. That individual may still be at large, or may have been arrested previously. The investigation may be ongoing.

The Community Justice Delayed but Not Denied

The arrest of Jose Campas brings a measure of closure to the family and friends of Kevin Billingsley. For more than two years, they have waited for justice. They have wondered if the person responsible for killing their loved one would ever be caught. Now they have an answer.

The San Diego Police Department and the homicide detectives who worked this case deserve credit for their persistence. They did not give up. They continued to investigate, to follow leads, to build the case. When Campas crossed the border, they were ready.

The Otay Mesa Port of Entry is a place where thousands of people cross every day. Most of them are law abiding citizens going about their business. But for those who are wanted by law enforcement, the border can be a trap. Campas learned that lesson the hard way.

Holding Onto Memories of Kevin Billingsley

As the legal process moves forward, the family and friends of Kevin Billingsley are left to continue their grief. They have waited for justice, and now it is coming. But justice will not bring Kevin back. It will not fill the void left by his absence.

Kevin was 35 years old. He had a life, a family, dreams. He was riding his bicycle on El Cajon Boulevard when he was killed. His death was senseless, violent, and avoidable. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Conclusion A Suspect in Custody

The arrest of Jose Campas, 34, at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry for the 2023 murder of Kevin Billingsley is a significant development in a case that has haunted the Colina Del Sol neighborhood for more than two years. A suspect is in custody. A family has hope for justice. And the San Diego Police Department has shown that they do not forget.

Campas will face the charges against him in court. The passenger who fired the weapon may still be at large. The investigation continues. But for now, the family of Kevin Billingsley can take some comfort in knowing that the driver of the SUV is behind bars.

Rest in peace, Kevin Billingsley. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. May justice be served.