Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
Marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug.
Thousand Oaks Man Sentenced to 50-plus years to life for Murder, Torture
Saul Nava was previously convicted by a jury of nine felony counts including the first-degree murder and torture of his girlfriend, Alisen Takacs-Escobar, and the torture and kidnapping of a previous girlfriend who survived his abuse.
Suspected Serial Killer Charged with 1977 Murders
Investigators from the Ventura County Cold Case Unit arrested Warren Luther Alexander, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, on three counts of murder, related to a series of strangulation murders that occurred in 1977.
Woodland Hills Man Sentenced for Serial Assaults on Hikers & Sleeping Victims
Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, to 32 years to life plus an additional 21 years in state prison, the maximum sentence allowed by law. He was previously convicted by a jury on May 2, 2024, of five felony counts related to assaults on women in their homes or on hiking trails, in Thousand Oaks, and Oak Park.
Port Hueneme Man Sentenced to 325 Years to Life for Child Molestations
Jesus Andrew Sapien, of Port Hueneme, was sentenced to the maximum possible sentence of 325 years to life in state prison. Sapien was convicted by a jury of 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child.
Moorpark Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Brother-in-Law
Elsworth Dennis Cadle (DOB 09/08/52), of Moorpark, was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. Cadle previously pled guilty on May 14, 2024, to the second-degree murder of his brother-in-law, Mark Milton.
“This was a heartbreaking incident for the family,” Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner said. “My hope is that today’s significant sentence will provide a path for the family to begin healing.”
Oxnard Gang Member Sentenced to Life Without Parole, plus 27 Years
David Guadalupe Calderon (DOB 02/25/93), of Oxnard, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 27 years to life for the first-degree murder of Edwin Herrera. Calderon was convicted by a jury on March 15, 2024. The jury also found true the gun special allegation.
“The evidence presented to the jury overwhelmingly proved that the defendant not only committed this horrendous crime but did so without remorse,” Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick said. “Hopefully, the defendant’s conviction and sentence will allow Edwin’s family to begin the healing process they so rightfully deserve.”
Ventura Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder of Child & Lewd Act on Dependent Adult
Joel James Gonzales (DOB 02/11/96), of Ventura, was sentenced to 16 years 8 months in state prison. He previously pled guilty to one count of felony lewd acts on a dependent adult and was convicted by a jury on July 22, 2024, of the attempted murder of a six-year-old girl, felony assault with intent to commit rape during a burglary, and misdemeanor aggravated trespassing.
Oxnard Man Sentenced to 152 Years to Life for Child Sexual Abuse
Omar Cruz-Hernandez (DOB 07/02/85), of Oxnard, was sentenced to 152 years to life in state prison. Cruz-Hernandez was convicted by a jury on August 2, 2024, of seven felony counts of child sexual abuse. The convictions included felony counts of forcible rape, engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under ten, committing lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
“The defendant committed unspeakable acts of sexual abuse against multiple vulnerable children,” Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern said. “While nothing will ever undo the harm that the defendant inflicted, I hope this sentence provides even a small amount of closure to the victims and allows their healing process to continue. This sentence also demonstrates that these crimes will not be tolerated in our community and ensures that the defendant will never harm another child.”
Oxnard Man Sentenced for Deaths of a Grandmother and Her Granddaughter
Jacob Anthony Caliboso (DOB 04/25/99), of Oxnard, was sentenced on June 11, 2024, to 30 years to life in prison—the maximum sentence allowed by law—for the 2020 deaths of Elva Andrade and Nevaeh Gomez. Caliboso was previously convicted by a jury on April 30, 2024, of two counts of second-degree murder.
“The defendant’s callous conduct took the lives of two innocent people, and he deserved the maximum sentence,” said Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Leija, who prosecuted the case. “No amount of time will bring back Nevaeh and Elva, but it is my hope that this sentence brings their families a sense of justice and closure.”
