Unincorporated Anaheim, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators have arrested four suspects on suspicion of killing a 48-year-old male.
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at around 12:57 a.m., deputies responded to the 8000 block of Katella Ave. in unincorporated Anaheim near 99 Bottles & Cocktails following a report of a shooting.
They arrived and found a male adult victim with a gunshot wound. The victim, Salvador Ramirez, 48, from Fountain Valley, was working as a security guard at 99 Bottles & Cocktails when the shooting occurred. He was taken to the hospital and later died.
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, investigators arrested David Anthony Ortega (44), Rene Jose Juarez Jr. (37), Max Maestas (54) and Robert Allen Duncan (43), all from Los Angeles, for murder.
This investigation is ongoing. If anyone knows additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or https://www.ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.
In California, including Orange County, the penalties for murder are among the most severe in the legal system. Based on the charges and circumstances surrounding the case you mentioned, here’s a plain-text summary of the potential penalties the four suspects could face:
1. First-Degree Murder
If the suspects are convicted of first-degree murder, which includes premeditated killings or killings committed during certain felonies (like robbery), the standard sentence is:
- 25 years to life in state prison
However, if special circumstances apply—such as:
- The murder was committed during a felony (e.g., robbery),
- There were multiple victims,
- The victim was a security guard (which may be treated similarly to peace officers in some cases),
- Or the murder was for financial gain,
Then the sentence could be:
- Life without the possibility of parole (LWOP), or
- The death penalty (though California currently has a moratorium on executions).
2. Second-Degree Murder
If the killing is found to be intentional but not premeditated, the suspects could be convicted of second-degree murder, which carries:
- 15 years to life in prison
This can increase to:
- 25 years to life if the victim was a peace officer or similar protected role,
- 20 years to life if the murder involved a drive-by shooting,
- Life without parole if the suspect has prior murder convictions or other aggravating factors.
3. Sentencing Enhancements
Additional penalties may apply if:
- A firearm was used: +10, +20, or +25 years to life depending on how it was used,
- The crime was gang-related: +15 years to life,
- The murder was committed during a felony (felony murder rule): may elevate the charge to first-degree murder automatically.
4. Indeterminate Sentencing
California mandates indeterminate sentences for murder, meaning the sentence is a range (e.g., 25 years to life), and parole is not guaranteed. The parole board evaluates eligibility based on behavior, rehabilitation, and risk to public safety.