Man arrested for murdering an elderly lady near the Southwest Community Center

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Detectives Investigating Homicide 1600 Block West First Street – Suspect In Custody

Victim: Betty Jane Willis (76)

Arrestee: Rosendo Xo Pec (22)

On 01-1-18 at approximately 4:14 a.m., a citizen called the Santa Ana Police Department after hearing someone yelling for help in the parking lot of 1605 W. First Street. *Officers arrived and found an unresponsive 76-year-old female victim lying on the ground. Officers detained a male that was attempting to flee the scene.

OCFA personnel arrived and attempted to render medical aid. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene at 4:34 a.m.

Santa Ana Police Homicide Detectives responded to handle the investigation. Detectives interviewed and identified the male that was fleeing the scene as 22 year-old, Rosendo Xo Pec. Pec was booked at the Santa Ana Detention Center for Homicide.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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