On Monday, August 9, 2021, at 7:49 p.m., Santa Ana Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the 500 west block of Dyer Road. Officers located an adult male unresponsive with multiple stab wounds to his upper torso. Orange County Fire Authority responded and pronounced the subject deceased. SAPD Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.
During the preliminary investigation, a citizen alerted officers to a possible suspect in the area of 2600 S. Olive Street. The subject fled from officers and was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. The subject, identified as Sergio Gaytan (42) of Santa Ana, was in possession of items belonging to the victim and had blood on his clothing. A knife believed to be the murder weapon was recovered nearby.
Homicide detectives interviewed the suspect who made incriminating statements. With the concurrence from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, SAPD Homicide detectives booked Gaytan for CPC 187- Murder.
The motive for the murder is unclear at this time. The victim has been identified as Joany Hernandez (36) of Santa Ana by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.
Detectives are attempting to identify and locate any witnesses who can shed additional light on this incident.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
