Sergeant Ishmael Cordero said a request was made that Tobias, a “documented gang member,” be tried as an adult. Tobias was arraigned Thursday and charged as an adult, allowing the release of his name.SPPD investigators are still looking into the stabbing and the fatal shooting shortly after 10 p.m. that evening of Duran, a popular Renaissance High School student. Duran was shot once in the upper chest while standing outside a home with friends; a man on foot approached the group and opened fire, striking Duran. The suspect then fled the scene. Duran was pronounced dead at Santa Paula Hospital at 10:38 p.m.The SPPD, according to Cordero, has found no evidence that Duran and the unidentified stabbing victim are gang members.Detective Boggess said that “Anybody with additional information pertaining to the stabbing or any recent events in Santa Paula” is encouraged to call him at 525-4474 x119, or Sgt. Cordero at 525-4474 x 117. Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and collect a $1,000 reward if information offered results in a conviction.
Documented gang member to be tried as adult in teen stabbing
October 22, 2008
Santa Paula Police Department
A 17-year-old documented Santa Paula gang member will be tried as an adult in the stabbing of another youth last week, a crime that proceeded the fatal shooting of another teenager later that same night.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA 17-year-old documented Santa Paula gang member will be tried as an adult in the stabbing of another youth last week, a crime that proceeded the fatal shooting of another teenager later that same night. Santa Paula Police are investigating whether there was any connection between the approximately 1:45 p.m. stabbing of the unidentified 16-year-old victim on October 13 and the shooting death that evening of Ismael Duran, also 16, outside a home on South 12th Street.According to SPPD Detective Wally Boggess, the SPPD responded to a call of a stabbing victim at Santa Paula Hospital at about 2:15 p.m. “Upon arrival, officers contacted a 16-year-old Santa Paula resident who had been stabbed five times,” an attack that occurred “approximately one half hour earlier in the area of 7th Street.” The victim, noted Boggess, was treated for his injuries and later released from the hospital.On Tuesday, October 14, after an investigation by SPPD detectives, investigators served a search warrant and arrested Valente Tobias, 17, of Santa Paula. “Tobias was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and participation in a criminal street gang,” said Boggess.
