Costa Mesa man arrested for alledly fatally stabbing his partner

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2024) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) yesterday arrested a man for a fatal stabbing of his partner in an apartment where they lived.

On Sept. 8, 2024, before 8:00 p.m., the Communications Center received a call of a female needing medical aid. The Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue as well as CMPD officers responded to the 500 block of Victoria Street.

When officers arrived, they found 29-year-old Denise Avila had suffered several stab wounds. She died at the scene. The suspect, identified as the victim’s live-in partner, had been seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival.

Officers immediately secured the scene and detectives responded to the apartment to continue the investigation.

Hours later, the suspect, Martin Laragarcia, 28, Costa Mesa, returned to the apartment while police were still at the scene. He was arrested without incident and booked. Detectives have located what is believed to be the weapon used in this homicide.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact Detective Eloisa Peralta at 714-754-5039.