After a nearly two-year investigation into a fatal shooting in Santa Ana, local police have arrested 22-year-old Ruben Oswaldo Cielo in connection with the incident. The Santa Ana Police Department, in a Facebook post, announced the apprehension on December 11. Cielo is accused of the March 29, 2023 death of Johnny Daniel Mercado, 35, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the area of Jetty Drive and Trask Avenue.
The Santa Ana Police Department's dedication to the case led to the identification of Cielo as a suspect. Aided by the collective efforts of their homicide unit, both the department and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office have charged him with involvement in the homicide. According to the details provided by KTLA, Cielo is now in custody awaiting trial, though exact charges are yet to be disclosed.
At 1:36 p.m., Santa Ana Police received a report of a shooting. Officers found Mercado with gunshot wounds to the upper body. Despite efforts by police and the Orange County Fire Authority, Mercado was pronounced dead at the scene, as per the Santa Ana Police Department update.
While one arrest has been made, the investigation continues as detectives believe other suspects remain at large, the Santa Ana Police Department noted. They urge anyone with information to contact the Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Section or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS for anonymous tips.
