In the latest development of the prolonged legal proceedings surrounding the violent death of a Santa Cruz tech CEO, a third individual has been convicted of murder. This conviction marks a significant step in the quest for justice in this high-profile case.

Kaleb Charters, one of the four men implicated in the killing of Tushar Atre, was found guilty on charges of home invasion robbery, kidnapping, and murder. This verdict was delivered on November 21 by a jury at the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. Kaleb’s conviction follows those of Kurtis Charters and Stephen Lindsay, both of whom were tried and found guilty earlier this year.

Kaleb, along with his brother-in-law Stephen, had been employed at Atre’s cannabis farm during the summer of 2019. According to the prosecution, their actions were driven by grievances over alleged mistreatment by Atre, their employer, which culminated in a robbery that spiraled out of control, as reported by KRON-4.

The duo recruited Kurtis Charters, Kaleb’s brother, and Joshua Camps to their cause. Joshua Camps is alleged to have used an AR-15 to fatally shoot Atre when he attempted to break free from his captors. The tragic discovery of Atre’s body was made the following morning on one of his properties nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Tushar Atre, who had also lived in San Francisco and Los Gatos, was deeply connected to Santa Cruz, a place he considered home. His obituary poignantly reflects his affection for the area, stating, “He lived a few years in San Francisco and Los Gatos, but felt most at home in Santa Cruz. As he once put it, ‘I moved to Santa Cruz for the mountain biking but stayed for the surfing,’” as detailed in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

“He lived a few years in San Francisco and Los Gatos, but felt most at home in Santa Cruz,” Atre’s obituary read in part. “As he once put it, ‘I moved to Santa Cruz for the mountain biking but stayed for the surfing.’”

In a jail letter obtained by KRON-4, Camps allegedly described how he murdered Atre.

“The guy took off running, Nick chased then tackled. I stabbed him. We got him in the car and took off. We got to the spot. The guy was messed up and bleeding out. I knew if we dumped him there he would bleed out,” Camps allegedly wrote to Stephens while behind bars. “So I decided to show mercy and just end it fast. I told him I was sorry and that none of this was supposed to happen and then I ended it.”

In March, Lindsay was convicted of murder and later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Kurtis was given the same sentence following his conviction in September.

Camps is slated to have his court proceedings continue in January.