Groom beaten to death by wedding crashers at his reception, California police say

It was supposed to be the happiest day of his life.

Just hours after he married his new bride, Joe Melgoza, a 30-year-old man from Chino, was murdered at his wedding reception, reported KNBC. He was celebrating his nuptials on Saturday night and was killed when he tried to protect guests against two uninvited intruders, according to his family, the station reported.

The men who are accused of killed Melgoza have been identified as brothers Rony Castaneda Ramirez and Josue Castaneda Ramirez. They arrived at the backyard reception even though they weren’t invited, Sgt. Dustin Tomicic of Chino Police Department told KTLA.

The suspects were asked to leave but returned.

“Those cowards came back with bats. They were in the alley and it was dark… My brother tried to go get them. They pulled him into the house and they killed him,”Andy Velasquez, Melgoza’s brother, told KNBC.

Police found Melgoza at the scene and found that he suffered “blunt force trauma to his head,” according to a statement by the Chino police department. Officers “began life-saving efforts” and Melgoza was taken to Chinio Valley Medical Center, where he later died.

The brothers were arrested on Sunday and are being held without bail, according to inmate records, KTLA reported.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help cover funeral costs and has raised more than $5,300 so far.

“He always had a way to make you smile. He was there for you at anytime to give a helping hand. He was taken from us in such a tragic and horrific way. He leaves behind his daughter... who will be in good hands with Joe’s family. We are asking for your support in this time,” the page said.

This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 7:08 AM.