OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Man Arrested for the Murder of Carlos Murillo
DATE/TIME:	February 3, 2020, 2:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Carlos Alberto Murillo (24 years old), Port Hueneme Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Librado Ruiz Rojo (19 years old), Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7763 Edgar.Fernandez@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Edgar Fernandez, (805) 385-7763 Edgar.Fernandez@Oxnardpd.org Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(Oxnard, Calif) – On January 26, 2020, at about 12:40 A.M., Oxnard police officers along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the 3200 block of Sycamore Street for a reported stabbing victim. When officers arrived, they located 24-year old Carlos Alberto Murillo lying on the ground suffering from multiple stab wounds. EMS arrived on scene and began emergency life saving measures. Unfortunately, Murillo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Investigators responded to the crime scene and assumed the investigation. Major Crimes Investigators worked in conjunction with investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), and the Ventura County Combined Agency Task Force (VCAT) on this case. These investigators worked tirelessly and quickly to identify and locate the suspect in this case.

During this week-long investigation, Major Crimes Investigators gathered sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for Librado Ruiz Rojo for the murder of Carlos Alberto Murillo. Rojo was arrested without incident at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the City of Oxnard. Rojo will be held at Ventura County Jail with a bail of $500,000.

Although Rojo has been arrested for the murder of Carlos Murillo, Major Crimes Investigators will continue to investigate this case. This is not believed to be a gang related murder. The motive is still under investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/3200sycamorest. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 3, 2020, 4:00 P.M.

Ruiz Rojo, Librado

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	February 1, 2020/ 9:25 p.m.
LOCATION:	Olive Street/ Gisler Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Mark Rivas, 20 years, Oxnard Resident Israel Juarez, 18 years, Oxnard Resident Alexia Vallejo, 19 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Sergeant Martin.cook@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On February 1, at 9:25 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a black Chrysler for a vehicle code violation on Olive Street west of Gisler Avenue. Officers contacted five subjects in in the vehicle, and all five subjects were identified as criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard. One of the subjects was identified as Mark Rivas (20 years). A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a loaded 9MM Smith & Wesson M&P handgun was located. The firearm was found to be in the possession of Rivas. Two of the other occupants of the vehicle were identified as Isreal Juarez (18 years) and Alexis Vallejo (19 years). Both Juarez and Vallejo were found to have felony warrants for their arrest reference illegal firearms possession.

The Smith & Wesson handgun was found not to be registered to Rivas. Rivas was arrested for various firearm related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

The family of Officer Nathan Martin and the Oxnard Police Department would like to share the following memorial arrangements:

The memorial service for Officer Nathan Martin will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1201 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010. Friends and co-workers will be able to pay their respects to Officer Martin during a public viewing at the same location from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Immediately following the memorial service, there will be a graveside service at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park located at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.

Parking will be limited, carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Please continue to keep Officer Martin’s family, friends, and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Prepared by: Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard

News Release Date: February 1, 2020

Media Follow-Up Contact:

Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org / (805) 385-7631

Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Police Chief

eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org / (805) 990-1079

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Two Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

DATE/TIME:	Friday, January 31, 2020 / 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

LOCATION:	Citywide

VICTIM(S):	State of California

SUSPECT(S):	El Super, 2800 Saviers Road, Oxnard Circle K, 105 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard.

PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine , Sergeant Dale.McAlpine@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dale McAlpine , Sergeant Dale.McAlpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 31^st, 2020, the Oxnard Police Department cited two store clerks for selling alcohol to minors. The actions were the result of two simultaneous minor decoy operations in which minors, under the direct supervision of officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 45 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

Those who sold to the minors face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

Minor decoy programs have been used by local law enforcement in California since 1987 and have proven to be effective in deterring the sale of alcohol to minors. These operations ensure that alcohol retail businesses are verifying the age of customers through valid forms of identification and are not selling alcohol to individuals who are under 21-years of age.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Minor Decoy / Shoulder Tap Grant Project funded by California’s Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 31, 2020 / 2050 hours

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2020/ 3:55 p.m.
LOCATION:	South Alley, 300 Block of Canterbury Way
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Edwin Garcia, 19 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Sergeant Martin.cook@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On January 31, at 3:55 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) contacted four subjects in the south alley of the 300 block of Canterbury Way in a parked vehicle reference drinking alcohol in public and illegal alley parking. One of the subjects was identified as Edwin Garcia (19 years). Garcia along with the other subjects are known to be criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard. A search of the parked vehicle was conducted, and a loaded 40 caliber Glock 23 handgun was located. The Glock was found to be in the possession of Garcia.

The Glock was determined to be a finished 80 percent frame Glock, and was not registered to Garcia. Garcia was arrested for various firearm related charges.

January 31, 2020 / 15:15

The Oxnard Police Department is sharing the following statement on behalf of Marita Martin, wife of Officer Nathan Martin:

“The entire Martin family, including fellow Oxnard Police Department Officer Thomas S. Martin (brother), wishes to express its most heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, comfort, and concern shown by family, friends, colleagues, clergy, and the community at large following Officer Nathan D. Martin’s tragic passing earlier this week. Marita (wife), Gabriel (son, 20), Soraya (daughter, 17), David (son, 14), and Susan (mother) have experienced heavenly solace in the face of unbearable grief thanks to an outpouring of compassion and generosity. We say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the Oxnard Police Department, the Oxnard Peace Officers Association, students and staff at Hueneme High School, friends near and far, and to the many other law enforcement agencies, local businesses, church members, neighbors, and donors that are helping us face this reality with bravery and hope. Nathan loved the people of Oxnard. He loved Hueneme High School. He loved to serve and protect with O.P.D. Your continued prayers for our family are most humbly appreciated.

Sincerely,

The Martin Family”

Media Inquiries:

Paul Carganilla, Oxnard Police Department Community Affairs Manager

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org / (805) 385 – 7631

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Super Bowl Sunday Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	February 2, 2020 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jose Diaz, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Don’t Get Flagged This Super Bowl Season, Designate a Sober Driver

Oxnard, Calif. –The Oxnard Police Department is reminding fans attending Super Bowl watch parties to get a safe ride home after the game.

Super Bowl LIV falls on Sunday, Feb 2^nd, and the Oxnard Police Department will increase patrols prior to the game ready to flag those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that driving under the influence of anything that impairs is illegal, including prescriptions, over the counter or illicit drugs and marijuana. If you take prescription drugs, be mindful of side effects, especially if there is a driving or operating machinery warning on the label.

If you’re hosting a watch party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers. If a designated sober driver decides to have a drink, make sure someone else who hasn’t been drinking is available to come pick everyone up. Anyone who sees a drunk driver should call 911.

Walking to a bar or party? Walking impaired can also be dangerous, so have someone who is sober walk home with you.

No matter who you are rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday, we are all on the same team when the game ends so remember to go safely.

Funding for Super Bowl Sunday enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 31, 2020 / 12:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Procession Route for Officer Nathan Martin (01/31/20)
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2020 / 9:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On the morning of Friday, January 31, 2020, Oxnard Police Officer Nathan Martin’s body will be escorted by police department personnel from the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office (3100 Foothill Road, Ventura) to the Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, located at 2052 Howard Road in the city of Camarillo. The processional is set to begin at 9:00 a.m.

ROUTE:

Beginning at 3100 Foothill Rd., Ventura, CA, 93003.
Westbound Foothill Rd. to Hillmont Ave.
Southbound Hillmont Ave. to Loma Vista Rd.
Eastbound Loma Vista Rd. to Mills Rd.
Southbound Mills Rd. to E Main St.
Eastbound Main St. to the Southbound 101 Freeway.
Southbound 101 Freeway to the Pleasant Valley Rd. / Santa Rosa Rd. offramp.
Eastbound Pleasant Valley to Pancho Rd.
Southbound Pancho Rd. to Howard Rd.
Eastbound Howard Rd. to 2052 Howard Rd.

We encourage any community members who would like to show support to Officer Martin’s family to line the route in a safe and responsible manner.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 30, 2020 5:20 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision Involving Oxnard Police Officer
DATE/TIME:	January 29, 2020 / 4:00 p.m.
VEHICLE/DRIVER:	Withheld Pending Investigation
MOTORCYCLIST:	Nathan Martin, 45 years of age, Camarillo Resident
LOCATION:	3rd Street and Campton Drive
PREPARED BY:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Earlier this afternoon at approx. 4:00 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a traffic collision on Third Street near Campton Drive.

When officers arrived on scene, they found a motorcyclist suffering from life-threatening injuries. Officers quickly identified the motorcyclist as off-duty Oxnard Police Officer Nathan Martin, who had just left the police station less than a mile away.

Preliminary information indicated that Officer Martin was driving a motorcycle eastbound on Third Street when a large tractor trailer made a left turn in front of him. Officer Martin was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, and despite all life saving measures, he died from his injuries. The California Highway Patrol was asked to conduct the traffic collision investigation, and are handling this task.

Officer Martin was 45 years old and a 20-year veteran of the Oxnard Police Department. He is survived by his wife, Marita; son Gabriel (20 years); daughter Soraya (17 years); son David (14 years); and mother Susan.

Officer Martin held a variety of assignments during his 20-year career at the Oxnard Police Department including patrol officer, property crimes investigator and traffic officer. He was currently the School Resource Officer at Hueneme High School and had just left the campus less than an hour before the accident. The Oxnard Police Department has been in contact with the Oxnard Union High School District since the time of the collision and grief counselors will be on campus at Hueneme High School tomorrow to assist with grieving students.

Several of the first responders on scene were close personal friends with Officer Martin and are obviously devastated. Peer support and police chaplains have been at the police station since the collision to provide help and support for his fellow employees.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to thank their brothers and sisters at neighboring agencies throughout Southern California that have reached out to offer support and assistance.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 29, 2020 11:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	February 2, 2020
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jose Diaz, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, February 2, 2020, between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in five fatal and 98 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day. Riders should also change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice of riding next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses, and motorhomes and factoring in lane width, traffic flow, and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 29, 2020 / 3:00 p.m.