Suspects arrested in connection to deadly Christmas stabbing in Ventura
Three people have been arrested in connection to a fatal stabbing that took place in Ventura on Christmas night.
30-year-old Joseph Cruz was attacked and stabbed on the second floor of a parking structure located at 500 E. Harbor Blvd.
Surveillance video captured the attack and helped police identify the suspects. Police believe the three suspects are all members of a local gang and that Cruz was intentionally targeted.
On Wednesday evening, Ventura Police Department and SWAT served a search warrant at the home of Chris Gallegos, 20, of Ventura. Gallegos was located and taken into custody. He was booked into Ventura County Jail and faces possible charges for Murder, street terrorism, and conspiracy.
On Thursday, a 17-year-old suspect was seen on the 200 block of West Ramona Street. Police officers surrounded the area and a team of SWAT officers conducted a search for the suspect. At around 2:30 p.m., the suspect was located hiding inside a residence. He was taken into custody and will be booked into Ventura County Juvenile Hall. He will likely face charges for Murder, street terrorism, and conspiracy.
A third suspect, a 16-year-old male juvenile is currently in custody at Ventura County Juvenile Hall for an unrelated case. Police say he will face the same charges as the other two suspects.
