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News release – Oxnard Police use new DNA Technology to Assist in Homicide Case – 9/20/2016

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Oxnard Police use new DNA Technology to Assist in Homicide Case
DATE/TIME: November 13, 2014 at approximately 8:43 a.m.
LOCATION: Sierra Linda Park, 1000 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S): Labh Nigah, 55 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Alex Arnett
alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7763
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Miguel Serrato
miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7688

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is using new DNA technology to assist in solving a homicide case. Recently, Major Crimes Investigators sought the services of Parabon NanoLabs. Parabon NanoLabs is a DNA technology company based in Virginia that specializes in DNA phenotyping. According to Parabon, DNA phenotyping is “the process of predicting physical appearance and ancestry from unidentified DNA evidence.” Law enforcement agencies have used the company’s SnapshotTMDNA Phenotyping Service (Snapshot) to narrow suspect lists and generate leads in criminal investigations. The Oxnard Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in Ventura County to use such technology in a homicide case.
 
The Nigah Homicide Case
On the morning of November 13, 2014, Labh Nigah dropped off his child at Sierra Linda Elementary School, and then went to Sierra Linda Park. Mr. Nigah was walking around the park when he was attacked and repeatedly stabbed. The assailant was last seen running from the scene westbound through the park onto Holly Avenue. Mr. Nigah died from his injuries a short time later. There were other people in the park that described the person running from the scene as a dark skinned male, between the ages of 14 to 22 years, black hair, 5’8” to 6’ tall with a thin build.
 
Major Crimes Investigators discovered blood evidence at the scene that did not appear to belong to Mr. Nigah. Investigators collected samples of this blood and obtained a DNA profile. The DNA profile was entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which is a database law enforcement agencies use to compare DNA profiles in criminal investigations. After almost two years of investigating this case and with no additional leads, Major Crimes Investigators turned to Parabon NanoLabs and their DNA phenotyping services for assistance.
 
Parabon NanoLabs and DNA Phenotyping Services (Snapshot)
Using the unknown DNA blood evidence from the Nigah homicide investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest (POI). Individual predictions were made for the person’s ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling, and face shape. By combining these attributes of appearance, a Snapshot composite was produced depicting what the POI may have looked like at 25 years of age and with an average body-mass index (BMI) of 22. These default values were used because age and BMI cannot be determined from DNA; however, people in Sierra Linda Park provided investigators with an approximate age and build of the person running from the scene. The person fleeing the scene appeared to be a dark skinned male between 14 to 22 years of age, short black hair, 5’-8” to 6’ tall, with a thin build.
 
It is important to note that Snapshot composites are scientific approximations of appearance based on DNA, and are not likely to be exact replicas of appearance. Environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, diet and other non-environmental factors (facial hair, hairstyle, scars, etc.) cannot be predicted by DNA analysis and may cause further variation between the subject’s predicted and actual appearance.
 
Please review the Snapshot composite attached to this news release. The person depicted in the composite is a person of interest in the Nigah murder investigation. If you know this person or the person looks familiar to you, please contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688 or Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 385-7763. DO NOT attempt to question or confront the person you believe to be depicted in the Snapshot composite.
 
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.
 
What is the Parabon Snapshot DNA Phenotyping service?
Snapshot, built with fundraising from the US Department of Defense, is a revolutionary new forensic DNA analysis service that accurately predicts the physical appearance and ancestry of an unknown person from DNA. It can also determine kinship between DNA samples out of six degrees of relatedness. Snapshot is ideal for generating investigative leads, narrowing suspect lists, and identifying remains.
Website: https://snapshot.parabon-nanolabs.com/          
 
Examples of Snapshot Composites Released by Law Enforcement to the Public:


International Videos about Snapshot:

 
About Parabon NanoLabs, Inc.
Parabon NanoLabs was developed and operates the Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service, is a vertically integrated DNA technology company located in Reston, Virginia that develops next-generation forensic and therapeutic products, which leverage the enormous power of DNA. Staffed by a uniquely qualified team of scientists and technologists, with expertise ranging form bioinformatics and chemistry to computer science and pharmacology, Parabon is bringing to market revolutionary new products and services made possible by recent advances in DNA sequencing, analysis and manufacturing technologies.
Website: https://parabon-nanolabs.com/
 
Media Inquiries about the Snapshot Technology Can be Directed to:
Parabon NanoLabs Contact
Paula Armentrout
P: (703) 689-9689 ext. 250
nanolabs@parabon.com
 
Public Relations Contact
Laura Burgess Marketing
P: (252) 288-5805
laura@lauraburgess.com
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  September 19, 2016, at 8 a.m. 


                                  Labh Nigah

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Firearm arrest
DATE/TIME: April 11, 2016/2300
LOCATION: 5200 block of Charles St.
VICTIM(S):  
SUSPECT(S): Anthony Tapia (22 years) Oxnard resident
Male juvenile (16 years) Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):  
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644
Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On April 11, 2016 at approximately 2300 hours officers from the Special Enforcement Unit and K9 Unit responded to a call of a subject with a gun and a possible shot fired in the 5200 block of Charles Street.  When officers arrived several subjects fled into a residence. All of the subjects were eventually detained without further incident. One of the subjects was identified as Anthony Tapia. Tapia is currently on probation with search terms. A probation search was conducted, during which a sawed off shotgun was located.
 
Tapia was arrested for weapons violations.  A juvenile who was also contacted was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  Tapia and the juvenile are both associated with a local tagger group.
 
The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME: April 9, 2016 at 7:52 PM
LOCATION: Channel Islands Blvd. and Fournier St.
VICTIM(S): Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S): Lauren Evans, 24 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):  
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY: Bakari Myers, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Bakari Myers, Sergeant (805) 385-7778
Bakari.myers@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On April 9, 2016, at approximately 7:52 PM, an Oxnard Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Honda Civic in the area of San Juan Ave. and Columbia Dr.  The driver, identified as 24 year old Oxnard resident Lauren Evans, failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.  The pursuit lasted approximately two minutes and concluded when Evans abandoned the stolen vehicle in the middle of the intersection at Channel Islands Blvd. and Fournier St. 
 
Evans attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the pursuing officer.  Evans was charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evading, resisting arrest, and was booked at the Ventura County Jail.  Evans is currently on probation for a prior stolen vehicle arrest.  

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Suspicious Death Investigation
DATE/TIME: May 4, 2016, 7:45 a.m.
LOCATION: 1700 block of South Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Angela Marie Carrillo, 32 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): N/A
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Alex Arnett, Sergeant
alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7763
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Steve Ramirez, Detective
steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org (805) 857-5227

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – On May 4, 2016, at approximately 7:45 am, the Oxnard Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to an unconscious female in the south alley of the 1700 block of South Oxnard Boulevard. Emergency personnel arrived and located an unresponsive female who was declared deceased at the scene. Detectives arrived on scene and began an investigation into her death.
 
During the investigation, the female was identified as 32 year old Angela Marie Carrillo, an Oxnard resident.
 
On May 5, 2016 at approximately 9:30 am, an autopsy was conducted at the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office in order to determine Carrillo’s cause of death. Investigators noted there were no visible signs of trauma. Carrillo’s death remains undetermined pending toxicology results. The investigation is continuing.

If anyone has information regarding this investigation they are urged to call Detective Steve Ramirez at (805) 857-5227. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visit their website at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org 


      Angela Marie Carrillo

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  May 5, 2016, 1:30 pm

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Firearm arrest
DATE/TIME: May 8, 2016/1700
LOCATION: 1800 block of Santa Lucia
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUSPECT(S): Jonathan Lopez (22 years) Oxnard resident
Jose Lopez (20 years) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644
Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS
 
On May 8, 2016 at approximately 1700 hours officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the area of the 1800 block of Santa Lucia. While in the area they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle due to expired registration. During the stop the officers made contact with Jonathan Lopez and his brother Jose Lopez. Jose Lopez is a known associate of an active street gang. The officers also observed open alcohol containers in the vehicle.
 
During a search of Jonathan Lopez, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was located in his waistband.
 
Jonathan Lopez was arrested for several weapons related charges. Jose Lopez was arrested for outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
 
A third subject in the vehicle was released at the scene.
 
The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.
 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  May 8, 2016/2050

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Commercial Burglary
DATE/TIME: 5/16/16, 0040 hours
LOCATION: 611 W. First St., Oxnard
Town and Country Market
VICTIM(S): Town and Country Market
SUSPECT(S): Jacob Castellanos, 18 years, Oxnard Resident
Eduardo Vega, 18 years, Oxnard Resident
Two Juveniles, Names Withheld
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):         N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Marc Amon, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Det. Rocky Marquez
Rocky.Marquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
At approximately 12:40 a.m. Oxnard officers responded to a burglary in progress at the Town and Country Market in the 600 block of W. First St. While officers were on scene three of the four suspects exited the business and gave up without incident. As the officers and K9 were clearing the interior of the business an additional juvenile suspect fell through the ceiling tiles and suffered minor injuries from his fall.

The two adult suspects were identified as Jacob Castellanos and Eduardo Vega both 18 years of age. They were both arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail. The identities of the two juveniles are being withheld. It is believed that the suspects may have forced entry into the business through an air vent on the roof.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  5/16/16, 0814 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Gang Members Arrested for Vandalism and Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME: May 23, 2016 / 2258 hours
LOCATION: 100 Block of Eliza Court, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): City of Oxnard and
State of California
SUSPECT(S): 17 year old resident of Port Hueneme, name withheld
Antonio Magallanes, 23 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Brian Woolley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sergeant Brian Woolley (805) 385-7600
brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On May 23, 2016, at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Eliza Court in reference to a report of several subjects vandalizing the area with spray paint.  When officers arrived, they observed the suspects actively vandalizing city property with paint.  
 
As the officers approached, the suspects fled on foot.  Two of the suspects were apprehended after a brief foot chase.  One of the suspects arrested, a 17 year-old documented gang member, was found to be in possession of a loaded, small caliber handgun.  During the investigation, he was found to be a convicted felon and currently on parole.  He was also in violation of the City of Oxnard’s gang injunction.  He was transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Hall where he was booked for multiple felonious weapons violations, conspiracy and felony vandalism.
 
The other suspect, Antonio Magallanes, also a documented gang member, was charged with violating the city’s gang injunction, conspiracy and felonious vandalism.  He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.   
 
These arrests were the result of a neighborhood resident simply calling 911 to report the suspicious activity.  The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative.  Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.      
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  May 24, 2016 / 0130 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Scams:  Keeping Oxnard Informed 
DATE/TIME: June 1, 2016
LOCATION: Citywide
PREPARED BY: Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Recently, your Oxnard Police Department received information that some new scams are on the rise.  The details are different but the situation is the same:  whether the scammer asks you for a donation, advises you owe money, says you have a warrant or responds to a legitimate ad; they all have one objective, to take your money.  Here are a few examples of prevalent scams:
 
  Renter’s Scam:

  • Consumers are lured by a rental home with cheap rent.  Scammers copy information from real rental listings and change information for their benefit (such as lowering the rent to make it more attractive).  Contact is made and a fake application is offered with a request for payment.  Prospective renters wish to see the home and are directed to drive by but until the rental agreement is signed and money wired, they cannot send the keys or arrange for the property to be viewed.  “Owners” are often abroad or unavailable somehow to make face-to-face contact.  A variation of this scam involves a supposed military member selling their vehicle or property from abroad.  The vehicle is often offered at several thousand below Kelly Bluebook listings.
  • Red flag!  The “owner” becomes insistent and pleading when asking for the deposit and it is not forthcoming.
  • Prevention:  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  If an owner wants to rent their property, they will make themselves available to show it or arrange from someone else to do it for them.  Beware if you pay out any money prior to viewing a property.  Also, check the rent ranges for the area where the property is located.  Rental rates that appear too low for an area should be cause for closer scrutiny.

 
Job Application Scam:

  • Persons looking for jobs reply to email solicitations for employment they receive or sign up for job offers on a site.  They fill-out an application and are awarded the job.  The employee performs the job and upon receiving their paycheck, discovers that the check is fraudulent.  The scammer retains all their personal information from the job application.
  • Prevention:  Look out for these signs that something may be amiss.  Some victims have said that they were required to pay for supplies out of their own pocket and the job descriptions are deliberately vague.  Paychecks that appear too generous are often a warning sign.  Beware of scammers offering to pay up-front for work yet to be done.  If you are asked to cash a check that is too large and they ask you to send the remainder elsewhere, you may be involved in a scam.  Lastly, make sure the site you use is reputable.

 
Scams have been circulating for some time and unfortunately, it does not take much to become a victim but with a little preparation you can prevent this from happening to you.  Below are some tips to avoid becoming a victim. 
 
·         Do not give your personal identifying information to anyone that you do not know or did not solicit their services. 
·         Do not respond to any request that you send money or information to someone because you “won” a prize or a lottery.
·         If you are asked to pay bills by any means other than the traditionally accepted methods (cash, check, cashier’s check), BEWARE!  Some scammers have asked potential victims to pay with pre-paid cards.
·         Do not respond to anyone asking you to send money by “wire” transfer.  You are sending cash – you won’t get it back.
 
 

What to do if you are a victim of a scam or identity theft:

     

  •   Accumulate all of the paperwork showing that you have been a victim and contact your local police agency to initiate a report.
  •  If the scam was not completed, you are not a victim.  However, if you would like to report the scam to authorities, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov, https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call (202) 326-2222.

 
Other informational links:

  
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  06-01-16/0836 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Bicyclist) 
DATE/TIME: June 24, 2016 / 7:12 a.m.
LOCATION: Lakehurst Street and Janetwood Drive
DRIVER: 17 year old Oxnard resident
VEHICLE 1: 2001 Ford Expedition
PEDESTRIAN Gregory Lawrence Dominguez, Oxnard resident
VEHICLE 2: Giant Rincon Mountain Bike
   
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org  
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org  

DETAILS:

On June 24, 2016, at about 7:12 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS responded to a hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.  The collision occurred on Lakehurst Street north of Janetwood Drive.
 
Preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford Expedition collided into the bicyclist near the intersection.  After the collision with the bicyclist, the Ford Expedition swerved to the opposite side of the road and collided with a tree. The driver fled the scene on foot and was located in the area moments later. The driver was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, and was later arrested. The pedestrian was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where he later died as a result of his injuries.             
 
Alcohol and/or drugs may have been factors in the collision. The collision is still under investigation.
 
If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 805-385-7749 or via email at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.  If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  June 24, 2016 / 1830 hours
 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME: July 25, 2016 / 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Monday, July 25, 2016, between 1:00 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department will be deploying officers throughout the city limits to conduct bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement.
 
The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists.  Pedestrians are reminded to obey regulatory traffic signs and only travel in areas where it is permitted and safe to walk. Bicyclists should follow all traffic laws and wear an appropriate helmet at all times to minimize injuries in the case of a collision or fall. 
 
Drivers are also reminded to share the road and watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists as they travel on our roadways.  Extra caution should be used near schools and crosswalks. California law requires drivers to maintain a distance of three feet when passing bicyclists.  If a driver is unable to give a bicyclist three feet, due to traffic or road conditions (including the weather and width of the highway), the driver must slow to a reasonable speed and pass when it would not endanger the bicyclist. 
 
Funding for this operation is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.