UPDATE: Police investigators and police officers detained and arrested 2 suspects related to a homicide investigation, on Tuesday, 10/14/25, at approximately 6 p.m., according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
Both suspects were later booked into Orange County Jail.
The arrested suspects included Rodolfo Ramirez, 37-years-old, a resident of Garden Grove, and Gustavo Covarrubias, 51-years-old, a resident of Santa Ana.
On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, Garden Grove police officers were dispatched to the 12600 block of Westminster Avenue, in reference to a male down suffering from gunshot wounds.
As officers arrived on scene, they located a male, later identified as Mario Barrios, a 67-year-old resident of Garden Grove, suffering from several gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
Barrios was immediately transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Garden Grove Police Department would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this investigation.
If convicted of homicide, the suspects could face the following penalties:
- First-degree murder (if premeditated):
- 25 years to life in state prison
- Life without parole if special circumstances apply (e.g., gang-related, multiple victims, or murder during another felony)
- Death penalty in rare cases, though it’s currently not enforced in California
- Second-degree murder (if not premeditated but intentional):
- 15 years to life in state prison
- Longer sentences if the victim was a peace officer or if a firearm was used
- Felony murder (if the killing occurred during the commission of another felony, like robbery or burglary):
- Requires proof that the suspect was the actual killer or directly participated in the killing
- Penalties are similar to first-degree murder
- Enhancements:
- Use of a firearm can add 10, 20, or 25 years to the sentence depending on how it was used
- Gang enhancements or prior convictions can increase prison time
- Restitution:
- Suspects may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim’s family for funeral costs and other damages
These penalties depend on the charges filed by the District Attorney and the outcome of the trial.