Santa Ana man charged with stabbing murder of Huntington Beach victim

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 13WF3135: October 25, 2013

MAN CHARGED WITH STABBING-MURDER OF VICTIM IN HUNTINGTON BEACH APARTMENT

WESTMINSTER – A man has been charged with the stabbing-murder of a 51-year-old victim in a Huntington Beach apartment. Rito Samuel Tejeda, 22, Santa Ana, was charged today with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon and faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison if convicted. Tejeda is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a continued arraignment Nov. 22, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. in Department W-1, West Justice Center, Westminster. The time is to be determined.

On the morning of Oct. 23, 2013, Tejeda is accused of murdering 51-year-old Frederick Sledge in a Huntington Beach apartment by stabbing him repeatedly. The defendant is accused of fleeing the scene on foot, covered in blood.

Just before noon, Tejeda is accused of walking in the vicinity of Delaware Street and Knoxville Avenue in Huntington Beach and was observed with blood on his skin and clothes by an off-duty officer, who contacted the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD). Tejeda was transported to the hospital for treatment of superficial wounds.

HBPD immediately began investigating this case and located the victim in the nearby apartment. The investigation is ongoing.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jim Mendelson of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney 401 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486