Santa Ana Experiencing Increase in Homicides

A Santa Ana Police Department vehicle in Santa Ana, Calif., on March 11, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

SANTA ANA, Calif.—Santa Ana reported a higher number of homicides in January 2022 than in previous years, authorities say.

While January tends to be a busy month historically for homicides, this year the police department reported seven cases since Jan. 1, according to Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) spokeswoman Maria Lopez.

“It’s been higher at this point to date than last year and the year [prior] in January,” Lopez told The Epoch Times.

Between January and July 2021, according to the latest data available by the SAPD, Santa Ana saw 13 homicides (pdf).

The city had a total of 15 homicides in 2020 and 13 homicides in 2019, according to the SAPD (pdf).

Homicide data for the month of January in previous years was not immediately available.

After January, the homicide rate tends to subside for an unknown reason, Lopez said.

Two stabbings at Centennial Skatepark on Jan. 6 began this year’s deadly count as one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, the SAPD reported.

The male victims were reported to be targets of a gang-related crime. The suspect was taken into custody the next day on Jan. 7.

Another instance on Jan. 22 involved a suspect shooting and killing an 18-year old. The alleged shooter was formally charged with murder on Feb. 3.

The latest documented homicide in the city was on Feb. 5 when police responded to a man suffering a gunshot wound on his upper body.

A 32-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene at 310 W. 5th Street. The motive of the man’s death is being investigated as the suspect is still on the loose.

While there have been more homicides, Lopez reassures that law enforcement officers are working to catch the suspects responsible.

Those with information on open homicide cases are urged to call SAPD homicide detectives at 714-245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.