On January 6, 2022, at 7:05 PM, SAPD Officers responded to the 1200 block of West Pine Street regarding a report of a male down. Officers located an adult male unresponsive, not breathing, and suffering from an apparent stab wound to his upper torso. Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

SAPD Homicide Detectives investigated the case which revealed the victim was walking in the area as he was followed by the suspect. Surveillance footage captured the suspect approaching the victim and stabbing him in the chest, resulting in his demise.

Detectives identified and arrested Kevin Ivan Herrera (23) of Santa Ana as the suspect in the homicide. On October 25, 2023, Herrera stood trial for murder in Orange County Superior Court.

On November 8, 2023, Herrera was found guilty by a jury of PC 187(a) – First-Degree Murder. Herrera remains in custody and will be sentenced at a sentencing hearing scheduled on January 19, 2024.