Santa Ana Police Detectives are investigating a homicide involving a 13-year-old boy who was shot and killed, and three other juveniles who were wounded.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, at approximately 8:19 p.m., Santa Ana Police Communications received multiple reports of a shooting in the area of 400 S. Susan Street.
Upon arrival, the officers located an unresponsive male juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and pronounced the 13-year-old deceased at the scene.
Three additional juveniles, ages 14, 15, and 16, were also found to have sustained gunshot wounds as a result of the incident. The three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment and are expected to survive their injuries.
At this time, the motive for the shooting appears to be gang-related. Homicide Detectives are working to identify and locate additional witnesses who may have information about the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
If a suspect is arrested and charged in the Santa Ana shooting that killed a 13-year-old and injured three other juveniles, the penalties they could face under California law depend on several factors, including their age, the nature of the crime, and whether it is prosecuted in juvenile or adult court.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential legal consequences:
1. Homicide Charges
Under California Penal Code § 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. If the killing was intentional and premeditated, it would likely be charged as first-degree murder, which carries:
- 25 years to life in prison, or
- Life without parole (LWOP) if special circumstances apply (e.g., multiple victims, gang-related motives, or use of a firearm during a felony).
2. Gang Enhancement
If the crime is found to be gang-related, Penal Code § 186.22(b) allows for sentence enhancements:
- An additional 15 years to life can be added to the base sentence if the murder was committed to benefit a criminal street gang.
3. Juvenile vs. Adult Court
- If the suspect is 14 years or older, prosecutors can request a transfer to adult court for serious crimes like murder.
- In adult court, the suspect would face the full penalties listed above.
- In juvenile court, the maximum sentence is typically incarceration until age 25, unless tried as an adult.
4. Multiple Victims
Because three additional juveniles were injured, the suspect could also face:
- Attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon charges for each surviving victim.
- Consecutive sentences may be imposed for each victim, especially if the acts are considered separate offenses.
5. Firearm Enhancements
If a firearm was used, additional penalties under Penal Code § 12022.53 may apply:
- 10, 20, or 25 years to life added depending on whether the gun was used, discharged, or caused great bodily injury or death.