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.