TUSTIN, CA – A 47-year-old man who fled to Mexico after allegedly ambushing and killing his ex-girlfriend outside her workplace has been captured at the border, authorities announced.
The Ambush and Shooting
The incident occurred on Thursday, May 14, near the intersection of Medford Avenue and Yorba Street. According to the Tustin Police Department, Juan Marquez of Hawthorne “laid in wait” near the location before opening fire on his ex-girlfriend.
The victim, identified as 42-year-old Sandra Fernandez Rodriguez of Anaheim, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Flight to Mexico and Arrest
Following the shooting, detectives quickly identified Marquez as the primary suspect and secured an arrest warrant. Investigators determined that Marquez had crossed the border into Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry shortly after the attack.
However, his run from the law was short-lived. On Saturday, May 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers detained Marquez as he attempted to re-enter the United States through the same border checkpoint.
Current Charges
Marquez was transported back to Orange County, where he was booked into the local jail on murder charges. He is currently being held without bail.
While the investigation is ongoing, local police have not yet released a specific motive behind the deadly shooting.
