Two gang members arrested in fatal stabbing in Costa Mesa – New Santa Ana

COSTA MESA, Calif. (June 13, 2024) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) arrested two male suspects in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred on Tuesday, June 11.

On June 11, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., CMPD officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a possible assault with a deadly weapon in the 1700 block of Placentia Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old Hispanic man lying on the ground with a stab wound. First responders tried to save his life, but he died instantly.

Police began their investigation and learned that a second victim, a 19-year-old man, had also been assaulted, but was not at the scene when officers arrived. The second victim suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by family members.

During the investigation, detectives and gang investigators learned that the murder and assault were gang-related. They quickly identified and arrested two suspects yesterday June 12, 2024: Israel Antonio Valencia25 years old, and Christophe Mathew Pena18 years old, both from Costa Mesa.

This is an open investigation and anyone with information relevant to this case is asked to contact Detective Ramon Hernandez at 714-754-5097.

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