A recent arrest has provided San Diego authorities with significant leads in the investigation of the tragic homicide of 29-year-old Stephen Toney, who was discovered in a City Heights ravine suffering a fatal gunshot wound on July 22, 2023, according to NBC San Diego.
On July 27, 2023, the second suspect in the case, Peter Santiago, 29, was taken into custody, marking a turning point in the investigation, as the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Santiago faces charges of first-degree murder and criminal conspiracy, with another suspect, Esteban Elizondo, 39, already arrested on July 23.
Toney was allegedly involved in an argument with two men leading up to the shooting, and investigators have since identified these men as Elizondo and Santiago, according to the City of San Diego. Santiago's arrest at a residence on 50th Street sheds new light on the case, with further details emerging in due course.
The fatal incident unfolded in the Chollas Creek area near an encampment by 54th Street and Chollas Parkway, where Toney was found seriously injured after suffering a gunshot wound during an altercation with the two suspects, described by authorities as Hispanic men; First responders arrived on the scene and rushed Toney to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, the trauma proving unbearable in the end, as we reported here on Hoodline San Diego.
Esteban Elizondo was apprehended as a passenger in a vehicle during a traffic stop, leading to his arrest on charges of homicide as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm, an additional insight into the suspect's background, earning him a place behind bars.
As the investigation progresses, authorities now turn to the public, seeking assistance in gathering more information to ensure the case's resolution, considering that various witness accounts and pieces of evidence are critical to establishing a conclusive sequence of events and holding those responsible accountable.
San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Homicide Unit investigators work diligently on the case, piecing together the puzzle to paint a complete picture of the tragic events that transpired in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood, a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice for Stephen Toney and his family; their continued efforts will provide invaluable insights, producing new leads and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the community in the journey toward closure and absolution, a powerful force to be reckoned with in solving this tragic homicide.
As the authorities forge ahead in their searches and investigations, they strongly urge anyone with information about the incident or the suspects involved to contact either the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
