From Kim Minugh:
The man suspected of killing his former friend at an Oak Park party in May is in custody in Sacramento today.
Richard Ramirez, 29, was arrested in Arkansas and brought back to Sacramento. He is accused of shooting Christopher Montejano, 20, at a party on May 24. Montejano died of multiple gunshot wounds four days later at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento police Sgt. Norm Leong said.
Leong said the shooting followed an argument but would not discuss details.
Police obtained a warrant for Ramirez's arrest, and Arkansas state troopers took him into custody on July 16, Leong said. Ramirez was extradited to Sacramento and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail early this morning.
Before Montejano died, detectives initially sought a warrant to arrest Ramirez on a charge of attempted murder, Leong said, but that charge will be changed to murder.
Ramirez has a lengthy criminal history in Sacramento County, dating back to 1999, according to Superior Court records. His convictions include misdemeanor and felony assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, court records show.
Most recently, Ramirez pleaded no contest to an accessory charge in August 2004. Two months later, he was sentenced to three years of state prison.
Ramirez is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.
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