Police detectives have arrested a 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman for a fatal shooting that occurred on August 26, 2024, according to the SAPD.
On August 26, 2024, at approximately 3:42 p.m., SAPD police officers responded to the area of 800 S. Townsend Street following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Erick Alegria of Santa Ana, who was unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound.Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene and rendered medical aid.
Despite lifesaving measures, Erick succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
UPDATE: After an extensive five-month investigation into the shooting, Homicide Detectives identified Santino Javier Fausto (28) and Stefany Vuelvas (26), both of Santa Ana, as the suspects.
The investigation revealed that the suspects drove into rival gang territory, where Fausto exited a vehicle and shot a perceived rival gang member before fleeing.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Santino and Stefany were arrested at a residence in Santa Ana.Detectives subsequently served search warrants at multiple locations related to the investigation.
In collaboration with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, both suspects were charged with Penal Code § 187(a) – Murder, along with several additional charges related to criminal street gang activity and firearm use.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. This case is eligible for the Gang Reward Program.
