NEWS RELEASE
DATE: November 8, 2024
SUBJECT: Oxnard Man’s Death Ruled a Homicide
LOCATION: 300 block E. Colonia Road, Oxnard
VICTIM: Javier Melena, 42-year-old male Oxnard Resident
CONTACT: Michael Velasquez, Detective
(805) 385-7645 | michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org
On October 31, 2024 at about 1931 hours, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Colonia Road in Oxnard regarding a medical issue. When EMS arrived, they located 42-year-old Oxnard resident, Javier Melena, unresponsive. Life savings measures were taken, but ultimately Melena was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Oxnard Police officers responded to investigate the death and through the investigation they learned Melena had been a victim of a shooting in 2003, which left him severely injured and with a permanent disability. There were no signs of foul play believed to have contributed to his death. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office elected to conduct an autopsy to determine a cause of death. On November 5, 2024 the autopsy was conducted and the Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as a homicide based on complications Melena suffered from the 2003 shooting.
There were no suspects identified or arrested in the 2003 shooting. The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit will be conducting the investigation. This marks the 7th homicide of 2024 in the city of Oxnard.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have any information regarding the 2003 shooting incident to contact Detective Michael Velasquez at (805) 385-7645 or michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org. The city of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the city.
Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7605, 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 1 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.