California pastor hired hitmen to kill daughter's boyfriend, police say

Victorville pastor accused of hiring hitmen

Pastor Samuel Pasillas has been arrested and is accused of hiring hitmen to kill the man dating his daughter. Police said one of the alleged hitmen is still on the run.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A Victorville pastor is behind bars for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire plot against his daughter's boyfriend, according to the Riverside Police Department.

The victim, who was not identified, told police he was driving in Riverside's Orangecrest neighborhood the evening of Oct. 21, 2023 when another car pulled up next to his and shots were fired at him. He was struck several times but was able to drive himself to the hospital.

The victim told police he was dating a woman whose father was later identified as the pastor, 47-year-old Samuel Pasillas of Victorville.

Image 1 of 2

▼

Riverside police arrested Victorville pastor Samuel Pasillas on March 13 in connection with a murder-for-hire plot to kill his daughter's boyfriend. (Riverside PD)

An investigation revealed Pasillas had allegedly met with the men he hired and gave them information about the victim, including his location the evening of the shooting. The men had watched and observed the victim in the weeks leading up to the shooting and were allegedly paid nearly $40,000 by Pasillas, police said.

Pasillas was arrested March 13 for solicitation for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held on $1 million bail.

Juan Manuel Cebreros, 55, of Long Beach, was also arrested on several charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. He is also being held on $1 million bail.

Image 1 of 3

▼

Photo courtesy Riverside PD

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Nic Cantino at (951) 353-7104 or NCantino@RiversideCA.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can email RPDTips@RiversideCA.gov.