Two brothers who crashed a wedding in California and beat the groom to death just hours after he said his vows have been convicted of second-degree murder.
Rony Castaneda, 31, and his brother Josue Castaneda, 22, showed up uninvited at the wedding reception for Joe Melgoza and Esther Bustamante Melgoza on what should have been their day of bliss on December 14, 2019.
Investigators say the brothers crashed the wedding that was being held in a Chino backyard, but then left before returning to the party where they attacked the groom with a baseball bat.
They were convicted of second-degree murder by a jury on February 9 for Melgoza's death, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office said in a press release on Wednesday.
They were also found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon for injuries that Melgoza's brother, Juan Bustamonte, suffered.
The brothers are set to be sentenced on March 13.
Wedding crashers: Rony Aristides Castaneda Ramirez, 31 (left), and his 22-year-old brother, Josue Daniel Castaneda Ramirez (right), have been convicted of second-degree murder
Joe Melgoza and Esther Bustamante Melgoza said their vows on December 14, 2019 at their wedding in Chino, California. But hours later, Melgoza was attacked and killed
Just weeks after the tragedy, Melgoza's new wife Esther posted this photo in January 2020 of her family with the caption: 'Happiest day of our life! Rest in peace my handsome husband, I will keep you close to my heart forever. Love is eternal'
Just hours after the California couple exchanged their wedding vows, Melgoza was found suffering from a blunt-force trauma to the head, at around 2.20am on the Sunday morning.
Melgoza was rushed to Chino Valley Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, leaving behind his wife of just a few hours, Esther Bustamante Melgoza, and his daughter, who was 11 years old at the time.
Authorities say the brothers who crashed the wedding did not know Melgoza, but lived not far from the home of his wife's family in the 13200 block of 17th Street where the wedding reception was being held, and showed up at the celebration uninvited, reported KTLA5.
'They lived nearby and likely heard the festivities and went to the reception,' the District Attorney's office said in a release. The brothers were later seen taking part in the reception, dancing and snapping photos with women who were at the party.
The brothers left the party, but came back later using a trail behind the home, the DA explained. The groom was not aware they had returned until they stood behind a fence and taunted Melgoza, telling him to jump to the other side.
'Once Melgoza and his family jumped the fence, the brothers began hitting them all with bats and fists,' the release said.
Just hours after the California couple exchanged their wedding vows, Melgoza was beaten to death by a pair of wedding crashers
Final images: Screenshots from a cellphone video recorded at the reception show Joe and Esther dancing and having a great time at their reception, just hours before the horror
Melgoza is pictured with siblings on what was supposed to be the happiest day of his life
'A family member was able to pull a bat from one of the Castaneda brothers who ran into an unrelated residence. They were followed by Melgoza, who ran into the yard unarmed. A few minutes later the Castaneda brothers were seen jumping the fence out of the unrelated residence with a single bat, which was never found.'
One of the brothers Josue had told police he was never at the reception, however, a photo booth picture of him and Rony posing with a female guest was found in his front pocket after his arrest, authorities said.
Snapchat video from that night also helped authorities nab the brothers for the killing.
'I commend my colleagues' dedication to this case and determination to seek justice for a family who endured such unimaginable grief during a time that should be filled love and happiness,' San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said.
'Although this conviction can never undo the pain caused by two individuals' actions, I hope it brings a measure of closure to the wife and loved ones of Joe Melgoza.'
Melgoza was described by his loved ones as 'a loving son, brother, father, cousin, partner, family member and friend.'
Melgoza and his then-fianceé married in a modest civil ceremony months before the wedding (left). He had sole custody of his 11-year-old daughter from a previous relationship
The Castaneda Ramirez siblings allegedly came uninvited to the Melgoza wedding reception at a Chino, California, home of the bride's family (pictured)
Esther's family hosted the couple's reception in the backyard of their home in Chino
'He always had a way to make you smile. He was there for you at any time to give a helping hand. He was taken from us in such a tragic and horrific way,' A GoFundMe created after his death reads.
Video recorded at the reception and shared with NBC shows a beaming Melgoza dancing with his beautiful bride and raising a glass with his guests, not knowing at the time the horror ahead.
'He leaves behind his daughter Lilly who will be in good hands with Joe's family,' the GoFundMe notes.
'We are asking for your support at this time for Joe's services and for his little girl Lilly. Isela, Joe's mom is devastated, heartbroken and is having a hard time processing it all.'
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