SAPD arrests suspects in murder of Irvine resident in the Artists Village

Santa Ana Police Department Advisory: SANTA ANA POLICE- HOMICIDE DETECTIVES ARREST TWO FOR THE 2010 MURDER OF JEFFREY LEE CHUNG

SANTA ANA POLICE- HOMICIDE DETECTIVES ARREST TWO FOR THE 2010 MURDER OF JEFFREY LEE CHUNG

On 10-2-2010, a robber shot and killed a 23-year-old man in a Santa Ana parking garage. Irvine resident Jeffrey Lee Chung was at a bar with some friends in downtown Santa Ana and walking to a parking garage, when he and a friend were confronted by two suspects, one of them armed with a handgun.

Chung was shot when he refused the suspects’ demand for money. Chung’s friend was unharmed. The suspects, described as male Hispanics, fled the scene on foot. Officers responding to a “shots fired, man down” call about 1:30 a.m., at 201 W. Third Street, found Chung shot in the upper torso. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Santa Ana Homicide Detectives were contacted by a concerned citizen who advised it was rumored two male juvenile gang members were responsible for several street robberies and the homicide of Jeffery Lee Chung in 2010. The Detectives were able to identify the two suspects who were 14 and 15 years old at the time of the homicide. Both of the suspects were identified by witnesses as the suspects responsible for the murder of Jeffrey Lee Chung.

On 2-9-2012, Homicide Detectives arrested the now 16 and 17 year old suspects. After being interviewed, they were booked for the attempted robbery and murder of Jeffrey Lee Chung. The suspects have been placed into Juvenile Hall. The case has been presented to the Orange County District Attorney for filing.

Santa Ana City Officials react to arrests:

Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez commented, “As the Chairperson for the Public Safety committee, I am entrusted to ensure that our communities are safe. On October 2, 2010, JeffreyLee Chung was murdered by individuals with no regard for human life. These arrests are symbolic and represent the Police Department’s unrelenting pursuit in removing dangerous criminals from our streets. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Chung family during this difficult time.”

“These arrests mark the end to a tragic event and will allow the healing process to continue for the Chung family. Although this was an isolated act of violence, the City is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all to enjoy in the heart of Santa Ana’s art district,” said Councilman David Benavides

Chief of Police Paul M. Walters stated that, “After two-years of investigating this murder, it was a concerned community member who provided the key piece of information that led to the arrest of these two violent gang members.” This is another example of our Detectives unwavering commitment to safe guarding our community.”

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Sent by Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701

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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