News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 7, 2023, at 4:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for December 2022 Shooting Death

LOCATION: 1200 Block Gonzales Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: John Carrillo 20-Year-Old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Michael Ortega. 23-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Jess Aragon, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 | jess.aragon@oxnardpd.org

On December 5, 2022, at about 12:50 A.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 1200 block of West Gonzales Road. When officers arrived, they located a 20-year-old male, later identified as John Carrillo, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services quickly arrived and began life-saving measures. Unfortunately, Carrillo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

After a four-month long investigation, investigators were able to obtain sufficient evidence that identified Michael Ortega as the person responsible for the murder of John Carrillo. This was through the hard work of investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, Violent Crimes Unit and officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit.

On March 7, 2023, at about 1:00 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested Michael Ortega for murder. Ortega was in custody at Ventura County Main Jail on unrelated charges when investigators arrested him for the murder of John Carrillo. Ortega is being held without bail on the murder charge.

Additionally, investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit arrested Ortega and charged him with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon that stemmed from a separate incident that occurred the night prior to the murder of John Carrillo.

Investigators are still seeking any further information regarding this incident and are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Justin Songer at (805) 385-7680. Also, 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: March 7, 2023, 4:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 8, 2023 / 11:07 PM

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Firearm Possession After Vehicle Pursuit

SUSPECTS: Javier Cortez; 21 year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1200 block of W. Hemlock St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

On March 8^th at about 11:07 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 1200 block of W. Hemlock St. in Oxnard. The driver of the vehicle, Javier Cortez, failed to yield to officers and was arrested after a short vehicle pursuit. A search of the vehicle produced narcotic paraphernalia and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. Cortez was charged with attempting to evade police and multiple-firearms related charges.

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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 4, 2023; 1:20 PM

SUBJECT: Missing Dependent Adult

Blair Harper, 89 year old male

LOCATION: 900 Block West Channel Islands Boulevard

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | Edgar.Fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult. Blair Harper, an 89 year old male, was reported missing from his residence in the 900 block of W. Channel Islands Boulevard, just after 1:00PM today. Blair is described as a white male, 5’03” / 150 lbs with white hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue and white checkered shirt and beige pants.

It is not known where Blair may have been headed. If you see him, please call the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

Date/Time Prepared: March 4, 2023 / 2:44 PM

Mr. Harper has been located and has been safely reunited with his family. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Forwarded message –
From: Fernandez, Edgar <edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org>
Date: Sat, Mar 4, 2023 at 2:53 PM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: At Risk Missing Dependent Adult
To: DL – Press Releases <dl-pressreleases@oxnardpd.org>

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 4, 2023; 1:20 PM

SUBJECT: Missing Dependent Adult

Blair Harper, 89 year old male

LOCATION: 900 Block West Channel Islands Boulevard

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | Edgar.Fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

It is not known where Blair may have been headed. If you see him, please call the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

Date/Time Prepared: March 4, 2023 / 2:44 PM

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 3, 2023 (9:56 PM)

SUBJECT: Documented Criminal Street Gang Member Arrested for Possessing a Stolen Handgun

SUSPECTS: Miguel Mina, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Rose Ave. at First St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On March 3rd, at approximately 9:56 p.m., officers attempted to contact several documented Oxnard criminal street gang members at Rose Ave. and First St. regarding alcoholic beverage violations. The subjects attempted to flee from the officers but were ultimately detained after short foot pursuits. During the foot pursuit of one of the subjects, later identified as Miguel Mina, Mina discarded a loaded pistol. The pistol was recovered and a records check was conducted, the pistol was found to be stolen.

One of the additional subjects contacted with Mina was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol.

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.

Good Evening,

Ms. Godinez has been located. She is safe and has been reunited with her family. Thank you to all those who assisted with this search.

On Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 8:33 PM Marquez, Rocky <rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

  NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 27, 2023, 4:55 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION: 2100 block Ravoli Drive, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON:   Maria Juana Godinez, 79-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

                                                (805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org

The Missing Persons Unit

                                                (805) 385-7629

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in locating an at-risk missing adult. Maria Godinez is a 79-year-old Hispanic female, 5’0, 100 lbs., with white hair and brown eyes. Ms. Godinez was last seen at her residence in Oxnard, today at 4:55 pm. She was wearing a grey cardigan sweater and grey pants. Ms. Godinez suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Godinez. If you have any information about the disappearance of Ms. Godinez, we ask that you contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2023; 8:00PM

SUBJECT: Missing At Risk Juvenile

MISSING : Priscilla Graham, 10 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 block of Huntswood Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an at-risk juvenile that has been missing since approximately 7:30PM Saturday evening . 10-year-old Priscilla Graham was last seen leaving her residence in the 1100 block of Huntswood Way. It was not known where she was headed.

Priscilla is 4’ 10” tall and weighs approximately 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a purple hooded sweatshirt, dark leggings, and red boots. A recent photo is attached.

Anyone with information regarding her location is asked to call the Oxnard Police Department’s Communications Center at 805-385-7740.

Good evening –

Priscilla has been located, and is safe. Thank you for your assistance.

On Sat, Feb 25, 2023 at 8:20 PM Baysinger, Kevin <kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            February 25, 2023; 8:00PM

SUBJECT: Missing At Risk Juvenile

MISSING :    Priscilla Graham, 10 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 block of Huntswood Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

                      (805) 385-7600 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an at-risk juvenile that has been missing since approximately 7:30PM Saturday evening . 10-year-old Priscilla Graham was last seen leaving her residence in the 1100 block of Huntswood Way. It was not known where she was headed.

Priscilla is 4’ 10” tall and weighs approximately 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a purple hooded sweatshirt, dark leggings, and red boots. A recent photo is attached.

Anyone with information regarding her location is asked to call the Oxnard Police Department’s Communications Center at 805-385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2023 / 9:30PM

SUBJECT: Firearm arrest

SUSPECTS: Jonathan Zamora-Velarde, 24 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Campton Drive and Morris Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org

On February 25^th at about 9:30PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at Campton Drive and Morris Street in Oxnard. During the stop, the officers learned that there was a loaded firearm on the passenger floorboard of the vehicle. Officers retrieved the firearm and arrested the driver, Zamora-Velarde, for firearms violations.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 27, 2023, 4:55 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION: 2100 block Ravoli Drive, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Maria Juana Godinez, 79-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org

The Missing Persons Unit

(805) 385-7629

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance in locating an at-risk missing adult. Maria Godinez is a 79-year-old Hispanic female, 5’0, 100 lbs., with white hair and brown eyes. Ms. Godinez was last seen at her residence in Oxnard, today at 4:55 pm. She was wearing a grey cardigan sweater and grey pants. Ms. Godinez suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Godinez. If you have any information about the disappearance of Ms. Godinez, we ask that you contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.