Man accused of fatal stabbing in Costa Mesa

A 25-year-old man was charged Friday in a fatal stabbing in Costa Mesa.

Israel Antonio Valencia, 25, was charged with murder and his sentence was enhanced for personal use of a deadly weapon. He is accused of murdering a 22-year-old man, whose name has not yet been released.

Another suspect arrested in the case – Christopher Mathew Pena, 18 – was not charged, as was Valencia.

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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, according to Roxi Fyad of the Costa Mesa Police Department. This victim, who was transported to hospital by members of his family, 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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