Police detectives are conducting a homicide investigation regarding a 28-year-old man who was shot and killed on the Santa Ana Riverbed Trail, according to the SAPD.
On Friday, July 11, 2025, at approximately 12:03 a.m., Santa Ana Police officers responded to 2100 W. 17th Street regarding a report of a man down.
This crime happened in the Ward of Santa Ana City Councilman Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, an outspoken critic of law enforement who has actively sought to defund the police.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, later identified as Elvis Alfonso Mojica Delgado (28), lying unresponsive on the bicycle path of the riverbed, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso.
Orange County Fire Authority also responded and pronounced Elvis deceased at the scene.
At this time, the motive surrounding the shooting is under investigation. Homicide Detectives are attempting to identify and locate additional witnesses who can provide information about the homicide.
Anyone with information is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Here’s a summary of the possible penalties for the suspect in the Santa Ana Riverbed Trail homicide:
If charged with First-Degree Murder (intentional and premeditated):
- 25 years to life in prison
- Life without parole or the death penalty if there are special circumstances (like gang involvement or multiple victims)
If charged with Second-Degree Murder (intentional but not premeditated):
- 15 years to life in prison
- 25 years to life if the victim was a peace officer
- Additional time if a firearm was used (10, 20, or 25 years extra)
If charged with Manslaughter (lesser charge if intent or malice is not proven):
- Voluntary manslaughter: up to 11 years
- Involuntary manslaughter: 2 to 4 years
- Vehicular manslaughter: up to 10 years
Other possible penalties:
- Extra time if the crime was gang-related
- Restitution to the victim’s family
- Permanent loss of gun rights
- A strike on the suspect’s criminal record