Felipe Ascencio, 40, was fatally shot inside his home on the 700 block of Eighth Street in Ramona, California, on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation were called about 2:35 p.m., found him with a gunshot wound and, despite paramedics being summoned, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office identified him publicly and described the incident as appearing isolated.

Ascencio served as pastor of Templo Monte Horeb in Ramona. Local coverage described a congregation grieving the sudden loss of a leader many regarded as a father figure and mentor. Detectives identified and arrested a suspect, Joel Martin Dukes III, 22, of Ramona, who was booked on a murder charge; authorities said they continued to interview witnesses and gather evidence, and that the motive and broader circumstances remained under investigation. Officials also emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Friends and parishioners remembered Ascencio as a devoted husband and father of two whose ministry and personal kindness reached beyond the church walls; vigils, tributes and a fundraiser were organized to support his family. Anyone with information about what happened that afternoon is asked to come forward.