Thermal Double Homicide Suspect Cleared and Released After New Evidence Emerges

A man previously arrested in connection with a double homicide in Thermal has been cleared of all charges and released from custody. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced that Alberto Tomas Padron is no longer considered a suspect after investigators uncovered new leads and evidence with assistance from the community.

Deputies initially responded to a home on Polk Street on February 11 just before 11:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was identified as 50-year-old Oscar Romero Castro, while the second victim, a 47-year-old man, has not been publicly named. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Padron was taken into custody during the early stages of the investigation, but authorities say further examination of evidence and additional information from the public ultimately showed he was not involved in the killings.

The case remains an active investigation as detectives continue working to identify those responsible. The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact investigators. Officials say community cooperation remains critical in helping bring clarity and justice to the case.