By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Two recent deaths suspected to be caused by an overdose of illegal narcotics have led Santa Paula Police to conduct several warrant searches.
According to SPPD Detective Allen Macias the latest incident occurred December 26 when police received a 911 report at about 9 p.m. of a “possible overdose” that left a woman unresponsive at a residence in the 800 block of East Ventura Street.
When officers and Santa Paula Fire EMTs and AMR paramedics arrived on scene they found the unconscious woman.
The unidentified 31-year-old woman was transported to Santa Paula Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Macias said the woman is a Santa Paula resident but she was not at her own home when emergency responders were called.
Her cause of death will be confirmed by an autopsy toxicology report; Macias said police believe the deceased woman had small children.
Macias said “An hour or two,” after the woman died a warrant was issued and a search conducted at 817 E. Ventura St. a location investigators believe was related to the woman that overdosed.
“We found some narcotics paraphernalia there,” and although no one was arrested Macias said the incident is under investigation.
A separate search warrant was served December 16 as part of the investigation into the death of Christina Guzman, a 43-year-old Santa Paula transient whose body was found October 9 by agricultural workers.
The workers were plowing a field off the 1000 block of rural Todd Lane when they discovered Guzman’s body in a drainage canal; police believe the body had been in the location for up to five days.
Guzman’s personal possessions were found with her body and there was no sign of trauma.
Although the results of the toxicology report have not yet been released it is believed Guzman died from a drug overdose.
Macias said the December 16 search warrant was served at 135 S. 12th St., because investigators “Had information that Guzman had been at that location prior to her body being located.
“We were looking for evidence,” said Macias, “and we found narcotics’ paraphernalia and some of her personal belongings...”
There were no arrests and the investigation is continuing although Macias said police do not suspect that the deaths “are related to a bad batch of heroin...just too much.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474.
If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691.
In addition, tips can be emailed to the SPPD at tipline@spcity.org
Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org
Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for a tip that leads to a felony arrest as confirmed by the arresting agency.
