New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Crime

Rapist busted with DNA evidence sentenced to 40 years to life in prison

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Westminster 2 Comments

Kevin Lawrence Saint John

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2014

Case # 13WF0669

MAN LINKED THROUGH DNA SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FORCIBLY RAPING TWO WOMEN IN 2004 COLD-CASE

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 40 years to life in state prison for forcibly raping two women after being linked to the cold-case sexual assaults through DNA. Kevin Lawrence Saint John, 45, Hemet, was found guilty by a jury Aug. 20, 2014, of two felony counts of forcible rape with sentencing enhancement allegations for committing a sexual assault against multiple victims and committing a sexual assault during the commission of a kidnapping.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2004, Saint John entered a 7-Eleven convenience store in Westminster wearing a baseball cap pulled down over his face. He approached 21-year-old Jane Doe #1 in the back area of the store, where she was working. The defendant forced the victim into the freezer area away from the view of any customers and forcibly raped her. He then carried empty boxes out and covered his face from surveillance cameras as he left the store. Continue reading→

Man convicted of shooting a customer at Panaderia La Chapina

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Israel Pena Lopez

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2014

Case # 10CF3188

MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING-MURDER OF VICTIM PREPARING COFFEE IN BAKERY

SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of the shooting-murder of a victim in a Santa Ana bakery while the victim was preparing a cup of coffee. Israel Pena Lopez, 38, Santa Ana, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. He faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison at his sentencing Oct. 10, 2014, in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Co-defendant Frankie Esteban Giraldo, 32, Santa Ana, was charged with murder but was found not guilty in this case.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2010, Lopez and Giraldo drove in separate vehicles to Panaderia La Chapina bakery on Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana. Lopez parked in a marked stall in front of the bakery and Giraldo drove through the parking lot before parking on a side street. The defendants got out of their vehicles and met outside the bakery. Continue reading→

Suspects posing as housekeepers arrested for residential burglary

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org/Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Suspects Posing as Housekeepers Arrested for Residential Burglary

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – (September 16, 2014) – On Monday, September 15, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested Sandra Elizabeth Rojas, 36, Riverside and Marie Alejandra Rojas, 38, Riverside, in connection with several residential burglaries in the south Orange County area. The suspects are related by marriage.

Over the last year, Sheriff’s investigators have been investigating several cases that include thefts of cash and jewelry from residences. As information and evidence was obtained, investigators determined the suspects were posing as housekeepers as a means of committing the burglaries without forcing entry into the residences. In the event the suspects were contacted by homeowners, they would pose as a legitimate cleaning crew. Continue reading→

Suspect arrested for bank robbery said he had a gun and explosives

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Stanton Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042 , JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Suspect Arrested for Bank Robbery Threatens Explosives

STANTON, Calif. – (September 15, 2014) – On Monday, September 15, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bank robbery at the Bank of the West branch located at 11051 Beach Boulevard, Stanton. The robbery suspect, Danny Ray Worrell, 62, Stanton, threatened the bank teller with a note indicating he was armed with a gun and explosives. The loss from the bank was cash and the suspect was seen leaving in a maroon Chevrolet corvette.

Following a broadcast of the suspect and vehicle description, sheriff’s deputies observed a maroon Chevrolet corvette in the area of Katella Avenue and Western Avenue. Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop and took Worrell into custody. As deputies took Worrell into custody, he made statements threatening explosives inside the vehicle. Continue reading→

Psych professor convicted for kidnapping and murder of man she says raped her

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Norma Patricia Esparza

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2014

Case# 13ZF0162, 12CF3070

WOMAN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER FOR ROLE IN 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING OF MAN
*One co-defendant has been convicted and two others are awaiting trial in this case

SANTA ANA – A woman was convicted today for her role in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of a man, whom she met in a bar. Norma Patricia Esparza, 40, formerly of France, pleaded guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. She is expected to be sentenced to six years in state prison at a date to be determined. She will also testify in the jury trial against her co-defendants.

Esparza’s negotiated plea and sentence reflects her acknowledgment and acceptance of her role in the victim’s murder. Continue reading→

Man sentenced for murdering CSUF student who grew up in Santa Ana

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2014

Case # 13CF1632

MAN SENTENCED 15 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERING ARMY VETERAN ROOMMATE AND DISPOSING OF HER BODY IN CANYON

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 15 years to life in state prison for murdering his roommate and disposing of her body in a canyon. Kwang Chol Joy, 55, Orange, was found guilty by a jury July 29, 2014, of one felony count of second degree murder.

At the time of the crime, Joy lived in a home in Orange with 36-year-old roommate Maribel Ramos. The victim was an Army veteran who had served two combat tours in Iraq and was also a student at California State University, Fullerton. Continue reading→

Irvine lawyer convicted of planting drugs in a school volunteer’s car

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, irvine, Lawyers, OCDA, Orange County 1 Comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2014

Case # 12ZF0153

ATTORNEY WHO PLOTTED WITH WIFE CONVICTED OF HAVING SCHOOL VOLUNTEER ARRESTED BY PLANTING DRUGS IN HER CAR

SANTA ANA – An attorney who plotted with his wife was convicted today of having an elementary school parent volunteer arrested and falsely imprisoned by planting drugs in her car. Kent Wycliffe Easter, 40, Irvine, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of false imprisonment by deceit. This was a retrial of the case, as a former jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, finding 11 to one for guilt. He faces a maximum sentence of three years in state prison at his sentencing. The date of the sentencing will be determined tomorrow at a hearing at 1:45 p.m. in Department C-45, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Co-defendant Jill Bjorkholm Easter, 41, Irvine, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2013, to one felony count of false imprisonment by deceit and was sentenced to one year in jail and three years of formal probation. Continue reading→

Emanuel Nunez shot to death near Cedar Street and Harwood Place

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Emanuel Nunez

A man initially thought to be in his 20s was killed Tuesday night during a shooting in a Santa Ana neighborhood, police said, according to the O.C. Register.

On 09/09/14, at approximately 6:55 pm, officers were dispatched to a call of a male victim shot in the area of Harwood Place and Cedar Street. Officers located the victim in the 900 block of east Harwood Place. The victim was later identified as Emanuel Nunez (33), resident of the City of Santa Ana. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Orange County Fire Authority Medics, according to the SAPD.

The deceased was identified by police today as Emanuel Nunez, 33, of Santa Ana, according to the OC Weekly. Continue reading→

Marcos Bahena identified as victim of fatal stabbing on South Hickory

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Marcos Bahena

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: UPDATE: Victim has been identified in Homicide investigation

Victim has been identified as Marcos Bahena (38) Santa Ana

Location: 1200 Block South Hickory

On Tuesday, 9/9/14 at approximately 2:30 am officers responded to a call of a man who had been stabbed and was found by family members in front of his house. The 38 year old male sustained a single stab wound to the torso and was unresponsive. Medics began CPR and transported him to Western Medical. The victim was taken into surgery. He is in critical condition and officers on scene investigating the incident. Continue reading→

Husband faces trial for 1994 poisoning of his wife, for the insurance money

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

OCDA Seal
Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2014

Case# 10CF3053

HUSBAND FACES TRIAL FOR 1994 POISONING-MURDER OF WIFE FOR FINANCIAL GAIN

SANTA ANA – A man faces trial today for the special circumstances poisoning-murder of his wife for financial gain in 1994. Paul Marshal Curry, 57, Salina, KS, is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder for financial gain with a sentencing enhancement for murder by poisoning. If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are expected to begin today, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Late on the night of June 9, 1994, Paul Curry is accused of poisoning his wife of two years, Linda Curry. Paul Curry is accused of calling 911 and telling emergency personnel that the victim was in bed and not breathing. Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputies responded to the scene. Continue reading→

O.C. Assessor Guillory charged with filing false nomination papers

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, Crime, OC Assessor, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Webster Guillory 3 Comments

Webster Guillory

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2014

ORANGE COUNTY ASSESSOR WEBSTER GUILLORY CHARGED WITH FILING FALSE NOMINATION PAPERS IN PRIMARY ELECTION

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney has charged Orange County Assessor Webster Guillory with filing false nomination papers in a re-election bid for County Assessor in the March 2014 Orange County primary election. Webster James Guillory, 70, Newport Beach, is charged with three felony counts of filing false nomination papers and faces a possible sentence ranging from probation up to four years and four months in jail if convicted. He is expected to be released on his own recognizance and arraigned Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. at the Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The Department is to be determined.

At the time of the incident, Guillory was the four-term elected County Assessor for the Orange County Office of the Assessor. Continue reading→

Serial rapist to be released today!

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County 1 Comment

OCDA Seal

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 8, 2014

Case# M-11244

OCDA INFORMS PUBLIC THAT SERIAL RAPIST WILL BE RELEASED INTO COMMUNITY TODAY

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) is informing the public that a serial rapist will be released into the community after a jury determined that he did not meet the criteria of a sexually violent predator (SVP). William Sabatasso, 59, has been in a state mental hospital for seven years, where he was committed after serving 50 percent of a 26-year prison sentence. Sabatasso will be released today and has stated plans to move to Arizona, where he will live with his mother and sister. Continue reading→

SAPD detectives are investigating stabbing murder on South Hickory

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana 1 Comment

SAPD

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Homicide Detectives are investigating stabbing victim in critical condition

Location: 1200 Block South Hickory

UPDATE: Victim has passed away from his injuries and is now being investigated as a homicide.

SAPD seeking public help in tracking down the killers of Edgar Antonio Ojeda

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Gangs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Crime Scene

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Homicide Detectives request Media & Public’s assistance with information of gang related murder

Location: 1400 S. Center
Victim: Edgar Antonio Ojeda (24)

On 09/07/14, at approximately 8:42 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Center and Edinger Streets reference reports of shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers located a male Hispanic lying on sidewalk of 1400 South Center Street. He was later identified as Edgar Antonio Ojeda (24), resident of the City of Santa Ana. He had multiple gun shot wounds to his body and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Orange County Fire Authority Medics. Continue reading→

Female Asian gang member convicted of dragging a woman to death

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Gangs, Garden Grove, OCDA, Vietnamese, Westminster 1 Comment

Lynn Ai Quach

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release

Case# 10WF0524

September 5, 2014

GANG ASSOCIATE CONVICTED OF MURDERING WOMAN BY DRAGGING HER WITH CAR

*Co-defendant in this case was previously convicted and sentenced

SANTA ANA – A female associate of an Asian criminal street gang was convicted yesterday of murdering a woman by dragging her several blocks on the outside of her car. Lynn Ai Quach, 24, Garden Grove, was found guilty by a jury yesterday Sept. 4, 2014, of one felony count of special circumstances murder during the commission of a robbery with sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity and vicarious discharge of a firearm by a gang member. She faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole at her sentencing Oct. 24, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Co-defendant and Asian criminal street gang member, Christopher Dai-Ichi Yu, 22, Fountain Valley, was found guilty by a jury June 8, 2011, of one felony count each of murder, attempted murder, and street terrorism with sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity, personal discharge of a firearm, and vicarious discharge of a firearm by a gang member. He was sentenced Nov. 18, 2011, to 74 years to life in state prison. Continue reading→