On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 11:57 AM, Santa Ana Police Communications received a report of a single vehicle traffic collision that occurred at the 2300 block of W. 5th Street. Responding officers located the vehicle, occupied by a sole adult male 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 Orange County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Gonzalo Carlos (26) of Santa Ana.
UPDATE:
SAPD Homicide Detectives investigated the case and identified Adrian Ayala (22) of Santa Ana as the suspect. On December 6, 2023, Homicide Detectives took Ayala into custody for PC 187(a)– Murder.
On December 8, 2023, Senior Deputy DA Ray Gennawey of the Orange County District Attorney’s office filed a felony complaint against Ayala for PC 187(a)–Murder, along with associated aggravating counts related to the crime. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
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.
