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.