NEWS RELEASE
DATE: September 29, 2020, 7:30 P.M.
SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Shooting Death in Oxnard
VICTIM: Rogelio Lara, 48 years of age
SUSPECT: Gabriel Cortez, 23 year old, Oxnard Resident
LOCATION: 3550 South Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard
CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant
(805) 385-7763 | Edgar.Fernandez@OxnardPD.org
DETAILS:
On September 27, 2020, at 10:37 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of shots being fired in the area of the 3500 block of Harbor Boulevard. When officers arrived, they located Rogelio Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, in the parking lot area adjacent to the harbor. Unfortunately, Lara succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Today, at 7:30 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit arrested, Gabriel Cortez for the murder of Rogelio Lara. Cortez is suspected in the shooting death of Lara. Throughout this investigation, major crimes investigators worked tirelessly, along with Oxnard’s Drug Enforcement Unit, Violent Crimes Unit and SWAT to uncover evidence which led to the arrest of Gabriel Cortez.
Cortez was already in custody on previous charges of illegally possessing a firearm. Cortez is being charged with the murder of Rogelio Lara. He is currently being held at the Ventura County Jail.
Detectives continue to look for more information and are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/3550harborblvd. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information
Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.
Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website:www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 29, 2020, 8:30 P.M.