COSTA MESA, Calif. (August 10, 2025) — The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) yesterday arrested a suspected gang member for the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old girl.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Costa Mesa Communications received calls of a stabbing in the 700 block of the Shalimar Drive.
CMPD officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue (CMFR) paramedics responded to the scene and found a 15-year-old female victim on the ground outside with a life-threatening stab wound.
Officers and paramedics started life-saving efforts including CPR and quickly transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where she died a couple of hours later as a result of her injuries. The victim’s name has been withheld due to her age and the nature of the investigation.
During the investigation, detectives and Gang Unit investigators established that this was a gang-related attack. The man suspected of stabbing the victim was quickly identified and subsequently located in Anaheim.
Saturday evening, with the assistance of the Anaheim Police Department, the suspected gang member, Matthew Juarez, 31, Anaheim, was arrested at his home without further incident.
This is still an active investigation. CMPD detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to please contact Detective Peralta at 714-754-5039, or Investigator Molina at 714-754-5694.