NEWS RELEASE
DATE: February 17, 2022, 10:00 PM
SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested in 2021 Stabbing Death of Oxnard Man
LOCATION: Del Sol Park, 1800 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM: Jorge Hernandez Maldonado, 32 year old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT: Edgar Mendoza, 36 year old, Oxnard resident
CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant
(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org
On February 17th, 2022, at about 10:00 PM, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit had obtained information that Edgar Mendoza, who was wanted in connection with the August 15th, 2021, stabbing death of Jorge Maldonado, had returned to the Oxnard area. This homicide had occurred at Del Sol Park, after Maldonado was in an altercation with Mendoza and was stabbed. Maldonado succumbed to his injuries two days later and died.
Investigators learned Mendoza had fled north to Merced County after the homicide. With the assistance of the Merced County Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), Oxnard investigators were able to narrow the search for Mendoza. As investigators continued their diligent search, they received information that he had returned to Oxnard. As a new search to locate Mendoza began, the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit was asked to assist in locating Mendoza.
After a months-long investigation, and through the hard work of investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit, the assistance of the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Oxnard Police Special Enforcement Unit, Mendoza was taken into custody without further incident.
Mendoza has been released to the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and booked in the Ventura County Main Jail. He has been charged with the murder of Jorge Maldonado. Mendoza’s bail has been set at one million dollars.
Investigators are still seeking any further information regarding this incident and are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. 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: February 18, 2022, 8:00 A.M.