On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 1:36 PM, Santa Ana Police Communications received a report of a shooting victim at Jetty Drive/Trask Avenue. Officers responded and located an adult male down, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Officers rendered medical aid until the arrival of Orange County Fire Authority who pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding this homicide are currently being investigated. However, detectives believe the motive could be gang related. The Orange County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Johnny Daniel Mercado (35) of Santa Ana.
Detectives are attempting to identify and locate any witnesses who can shed 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. This case is eligible for the Gang Reward Program.
