Suspect in 2022 murder of Moses Lake woman expected to change plea

EPHRATA — Juan Gastelum, 31, of Hermiston, Ore., the suspect in the March 2022 killing of Yanira Cedillos, is expected to change his current plea of not guilty to a guilty plea. Prosecutors in the case have requested that a plea change hearing be set for March 3, according to court documents.  

Following that plea change, an omnibus hearing is set for April 14, a readiness hearing May 11 and trial is set to begin May 13. Given a guilty plea, it is not likely the case will last long and sentencing would follow shortly after.  

Gastelum and Cedillos had been involved in a romantic relationship, which had ended. However, Cedillos went missing the night of her birthday celebration in early March 2022. Moses Lake Police Department detectives had found a variety of evidence at Cedillos’ apartment, indicating she had likely been killed. According to court documents and statements from investigators, evidence on Gastelum’s cell phone was a key element in the case. Cedillos had been communicating with Gastelum and they had, reportedly, gone to her apartment together after she left her birthday celebration.  

“The last evidence we have that she was still alive was a few minutes after midnight, approximately seven minutes after they arrived at the apartment,” MLPD Cpt. Mike Williams said at the time of the incident.  

Gastelum was arrested in Hermiston about a week after Cedillos’ death. Cedillos’ remains were later found at the Walulla Game Department Reserve off State Route 12, according to court documents. 

Gastelum had initially entered a not guilty plea. He is being held without bond at the Grant County Jail. Current charges against him include Murder in the Second Degree and Rape in the Second Degree.