Oceano Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Case

UPDATE

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department identified 27-year-old Humberto Jacobo Chavez of Oceano, as the suspect in the death of Patricia Merino Jacobo,26, on August 16. Chavez was the victim’s husband.

Deputies were called out to the 2100 block of Warner Street in Oceano early Sunday morning on a report of domestic violence. When they arrived, deputies found Merino dead, and Chavez suffering from self-inflicted knife wounds. Chavez was taken to the hospital where he is listed in serious but stable condition.

“At this time, investigators believe Jacobo Chavez killed his wife and then tried to take his own life,” said Tony Cipolla with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department.

Chavez was arrested on one count of murder.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office says that it has received numerous inquiries regarding the immigration status of Chavez. “We have information that he is a legal resident of the U.S.,” said Cipolla. “Chavez has no prior contact with the Sheriff’s Office.”

———————-

ORIGINAL STORY

Co-workers and neighbors are remembering a young woman found dead early Sunday morning in what the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department is calling a homicide.

The Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded to a call about a domestic dispute at a home along the 2100 block of Warner Street in Oceano.

The Sheriff’s Department says deputies found a young woman, identified by neighbors and co-workers as Patricia “Patty” Merino, dead from knife wounds inside her apartment.

An unidentified man in his 20’s was also found inside the apartment with what the Sheriff’s Department says was self-inflicted knife wounds. He is recovering in the hospital and is listed as a suspect in the case.

The suspect’s relationship to Merino has not yet been revealed.

Those who knew her best say Patty Merino was the “sweetest, kindest” mother of two young children.

“Its very sad, I just can’t believe it”, says neighbor Elizabeth Banda, “its just sad, that’s all I can think of, you know the little kids she left behind.”

Neighbors say they did not hear any screaming, shouting or fighting coming from Merino’s apartment Saturday night.

“Because I know him, I know her”, neighbor Raymundo Banda says, “she just always says hi, how are you doing, she’s my neighbor on the other side, but I don’t believe it.”

“I’ve known her for quite a few years actually”, says co-worker Eric Vanderhoofven who worked with Merino at the local 7-11 convenience store, “its obvious from the reaction in the community that she will be missed, she was a really, really great mom as well.”

Elizabeth Banda says she and Patty Merino attended Arroyo Grande High School together.

“She was just a really nice person”, Banda says, “really, really kind girl, she will be missed.”