2 people arrested in connection with fatal stabbing in Orange County

COSTA MESA – Two Costa Mesa men suspected of stabbings in the city and who police believed to be gang-connected were behind bars Thursday.

Israel Antonio Valencia, 25, and Christopher Mathew Pena, 18, were arrested Wednesday, according to Roxi Fyad of the Costa Mesa Police Department.

They are accused of murdering a 22-year-old man, Fyad said. Authorities have not released the victim's name.

Officers responded to a stabbing in the 1700 block of Placentia Avenue, near 17th Street, around 11 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

While investigating the fatal stabbing, police found a 19-year-old man who had been attacked earlier at Placentia Avenue and Shalimar Drive. The second victim, who was taken to hospital by family members, was allegedly attacked by the same suspect.

Police suspect the attacks were gang-related.

Anyone who may have information helpful to police about the stabbing was asked to call Detective Ramon Hernandez at 714-754-5097.

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