3rd Suspect Arrested & Handgun Recovered in Homicide Investigation

The Santa Cruz Police Department announces the arrest of a third suspect in the August 23rd homicide on the San Lorenzo River Levee. Cristobal Natividad, 41 years old from Santa Cruz has been identified and arrested as an accessory to homicide.

Cristobal Natividad, 41 years old from Santa Cruz 

Evidence has shown Cristobal Natividad was in close association with Nino Ruiz and Jenessa Kic immediately following the homicide.

A handgun was recovered from a residence in the 2500 block of Capitola Road in Santa Cruz. The handgun is registered to a relative of Cristobal Natividad. Detectives believe it was the weapon used by Nino Ruiz in the homicide.

No further details on the arrest or the handgun recovery can be released at this time.

Homicide Investigation Background:
Nino Ruiz has been identified and arrested as the suspect shooter in the homicide on 8/23/16. Jenessa Kic was also arrested for murder and conspiracy to commit a murder. Nino Ruiz is 27 years old, a transient from Santa Cruz County and Jenessa Kic is 31 years old from Santa Cruz. SCPD Detectives spotted Ruiz in the 300 block of Liebrant Avenue late yesterday morning. Nino Ruiz and Jenessa Kic were detained at 12:10 pm, coming out of a residence on Liebrant Avenue.

Detectives worked continuously to interview multiple witnesses and track down numerous leads that directed the investigation to the two suspects. Jenessa Kic is the girlfriend of Mr. Ruiz and was determined to be associated with the murder. Both suspects were in custody within four hours after the shooting. SCPD Detectives have served search warrants on several of the homes that Ruiz has visited.

This is the second homicide of the year.

Two Suspects Arrested in Homicide Investigation

On August 23, 2016, at approximately 8:20 am, Santa Cruz Police responded to a report of a victim of a shooting on the levee pathway, near the 400 block of Front Street. Officers arrived within minutes of being dispatched and found a male victim lying in the levee pathway. The victim was suffering from gunshot wound in his upper torso. The officers provided medical attention until they were relieved by medics. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Within 4 hours, SCPD had detained the suspect shooter and an accomplice Detectives connected to the murder. 

Nino Ruiz, 27 years old, transient from Santa Cruz County

Nino Ruiz has been identified and arrested as the suspect shooter in the homicide on 8/23/16. Jenessa Kic was also arrested for murder and conspiracy to commit a murder. Nino Ruiz is 27 years old, a transient from Santa Cruz County and Jenessa Kic is 31 years old from Santa Cruz. SCPD Detectives spotted Ruiz in the 300 block of Liebrandt Avenue late yesterday morning. Nino Ruiz and Jenessa Kic were detained at 12:10 pm, coming out of a residence on Liebrandt Avenue.

Jenessa Kic, 31 years old, recent Santa Cruz resident

Detectives worked continuously to interview multiple witnesses and track down numerous leads that directed the investigation to the two suspects. Jenessa Kic is the girlfriend of Mr. Ruiz and was determined to be associated with the murder. Both suspects were in custody within four hours after the shooting. SCPD Detectives have served search warrants on several of the homes that Ruiz has visited. 

In this month alone, Mr. Ruiz was arrested twice for the possession of methamphetamine. Ms. Kic also has a history with law enforcement. She has been arrested in past for camping violations and burglary.
The gun used in the murder has not yet been recovered. The motive for the murder is still under investigation.

The identity of the victim is being withheld until proper notification to family members can be completed. This is the second homicide of the year.

Nino Ruiz was arrested for murder. Jenessa Kic was arrested for murder and conspiracy to commit a murder. 

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information is asked to contact SCPD Investigation at 831- 420-5820.

Arrest Made in Homicide of 12 Year Old from 2012

The Santa Cruz Police Department announces the arrest of 5 suspects in the homicide of 12 year old Joseph Mendoza.  The homicide occurred on August 8, 2012, at the intersection of San Lorenzo Blvd and Bixby Street.  Joseph was standing on the sidewalk when he was confronted by a group of suspects in a car.  During the confrontation, the suspects fired several shots from a handgun, killing Joseph. 

Santa Cruz Police Department Detectives have been relentless in developing leads and continuing follow up.  Detectives have been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Probation to assemble the necessary leads to solve this case.  The investigation revealed the motivation for this homicide as tensions between rival gangs. 

The investigation culminated in the simultaneous arrest of all five suspects early this morning (October 12, 2013).   Detectives also served search warrants at the residences of the suspects.  Four of the suspects are juveniles and one is an adult.  The adult is:

Andrew Carrera 19 years – Watsonville Resident

The juveniles are:

2 juveniles, both age 15, both were taken into custody from group homes in Exeter, CA and Placerville, CA. 

2 Juveniles both 17 years of age – currently in custody at Santa Cruz County Juvenile Hall

Because they are minors, we are precluded from identifying them at this time.  

 

All of the suspects are Norteno street gang members.  Four of the suspects were on juvenile probation at the time of this homicide.   The suspects were Watsonville area residents at the time of the homicide. 

We anticipate the arrest of a 6^th suspect sometime in the next week.  The outstanding suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges. 

The suspects were charged with (1) Homicide, (2) Criminal Street Gang Enhancement, (3) Discharge a Firearm From a Vehicle, (4) Firearms Enhancement

The family of Joseph has been notified of the arrests and the status of the case.