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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT:
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Investigators Searching for Vehicle Used in two Related Homicides
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| DATE/TIME:
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May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 P.M.
May 16, 2017, between 9-9:30 P.M.
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| LOCATION:
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300 block of North G Street, Oxnard
5400 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard
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| VICTIM(S):
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Aaron Austin, 29-years old, Oxnard resident
Eduardo Leon, 23-years old, Oxnard resident
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| SUSPECT(S):
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Unknown
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| PREPARED BY:
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Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763
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| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:
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Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763
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DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department continues to investigate two homicides that occurred on May 16, 2017, at different locations within the city of Oxnard. Investigators have determined that these two murders are related.
The first homicide occurred on May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 300 block of North G Street. Oxnard police officers responded to the report of a shooting victim. Upon their arrival, they located a 29-year old male, identified as Aaron Austin, suffering from gunshot wounds. Austin was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) by ambulance. Unfortunately, Austin was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
While this investigation was still in its initial stages, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of another shooting victim. On May 17, 2017, at approximately 5:30 a.m., residents in the 5400 block of Perkins Road called the police department after they found a shooting victim lying in the west alley. Police officers responded and located the shooting victim, a 23-year old male, identified as Eduardo Leon. EMS personnel arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. During this investigation, police officers and investigators spoke to several residents who said they heard gunshots or fireworks the previous evening but did not report it to the police.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to both homicides and had been diligently investigating both cases and following up on all leads. Recently, investigators have developed information on both cases that led investigators to determine that both of these homicides are related. Additionally, investigators uncovered video surveillance recordings that captured, what detectives believe, is a vehicle associated with the suspect(s) in the homicides.
Detectives reviewed the surveillance video and strongly believe that the suspect vehicle is likely a dark colored 2000’s compact BMW sedan. This determination was made based on the various mechanical characteristics of the vehicle, including the location of the different exterior lights on the car. The photograph below was taken from a surveillance camera near one of the homicide locations. This image highlights the location of the vehicle’s lights, which assisted in determining year range and make of the vehicle.
Snapshot of suspect vehicle – highlighting the vehicle’s distinct lighting characteristics
The suspect vehicle investigators are searching for is similar to the vehicle in the stock photograph below.
At this stage in both homicide investigations, detectives are still searching for any information that could assist in identifying a suspect(s) or a motive for the murders.
The Oxnard Police Department encourages anyone with information in regards to the senseless murder of Aaron Austin and/or Eduardo Leon to contact detectives. Additionally, anyone with knowledge or information regarding this suspect vehicle is highly encouraged to contact detectives.
Aaron Austin
Eduardo Leon
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 385-7763.
You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 6, 2018, at approximately 7:30 A.M.