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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Homicide Investigations |
| DATE/TIME: | May 19, 2017 at approximately 3:00 a.m. |
| LOCATION: | 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue |
| VICTIM(S): | Jorge Coria, 42-year old Oxnard resident |
| SUSPECT(S): | Unknown |
| PREPARED BY: | Interim Investigations Commander Sharon Giles
(805) 385-7620 |
| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 |
(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is investigating the third homicide to occur in the city in the last three days.
On May 19, 2017, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to several 9-1-1 calls of gunshots heard in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a shooting victim was reported in the same area where the gunshots were heard. The first police officers on scene located the victim, later identified as 42-year old Jorge Coria. The police officers administered first-aid until Fire and EMS personnel arrived. Coria was placed in an ambulance and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). Unfortunately, Coria died at the hospital.
Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation from patrol officers. Preliminary investigation has determined that the victim has affiliation with a known Oxnard gang. The motive for the murder is unknown, but gang motivation has not been ruled out. There are no indications that this incident is related to the two homicides earlier in the week.
This is Oxnard’s ninth homicide of the year and third within the last three (3) days:
- On May 16th, 29 year old Aaron Austin was shot and killed in the 300 block of North G Street.
- On May 16th, 23-year old Eduardo Leon Viveros was shot and killed in the 5400 block of Perkins Road
- On May 18th, 42-year old Jorge Coria was shot and killed in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue
Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney stated: “We take every one of these homicides personally, regardless of the circumstances. Our detectives are working day and night on these cases to bring justice for the victims’ families.” Since March 2017, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested 19 individuals for unlawful possession of a firearm.
The Police Department will be increasing its patrol presence. In addition to increased overtime and reallocating resources, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Port Hueneme Police Department and the California Highway Patrol have offered their assistance. The Police Department will also be creating a special investigative workgroup to focus on the recent violence. This workgroup will include personnel from the FBI and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
City Manager Greg Nyhoff stated: “The city will utilize whatever resources are necessary to support the police department in its efforts to keep our community safe.”
Just as importantly, the Oxnard Police Department needs the help and assistance of our community partners. We are asking the public to report suspicious behavior or criminal activity to police IMMEDIATELY by calling 911. Stolen weapons and stolen cars are often used to commit violent crimes. The Police Department urges our residents to lock their vehicles and secure their firearms.
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in homicide cases. If you have information about this homicide, or any of the recent homicides, please contact Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 385-7763, or Detective Edgar Fernandez at (805) 385-7645. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can still provide valuable information to detectives by texting the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 394-8370 or calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 19, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.