Two gang members were arrested for a fatal stabbing in Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, Calif. (June 13, 2024) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) has arrested two male suspects for a fatal stabbing that occurred on Tuesday, June 11.
 
On June 11, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., CMPD officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a possible assault with a deadly weapon in the 1700 block of Placentia Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old Hispanic man with stab wounds lying on the ground. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but he died at the scene.

Officers began their investigation and learned that a second 19-year-old male victim had also been attacked but was not at the scene when officers arrived. The second victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital by family members.
 
During the investigation, detectives and gang investigators learned the murder and assault were gang related. They quickly identified and yesterday, June 12, 2024, arrested two suspects: Israel Antonio Valencia, 25, and Christopher Mathew Pena, 18, both of Costa Mesa.
 
This is an open investigation and anyone with pertinent information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Ramon Hernandez at 714-754-5097.