On Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:41 AM, Santa Ana Police Communications received a call of a stabbing in progress in the 200 block of north Gunther Place.

Officers responded and located a female adult suffering from a stab wound to her upper torso. Orange County Fire Authority arrived on the scene and transported the victim to the hospital, where she was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The victim has been identified as Maria Guadalupe Mota (51) of Santa Ana. 

During the preliminary investigation, officers identified and detained the suspect, Ignacio Vazquez Morales (40) of Santa Ana. A knife utilized by the suspect was recovered at the scene.

With the concurrence from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, SAPD Homicide Detectives booked Morales for CPC 187- Murder.

The motive for the murder appears to be a result of a failed dating relationship.