On August 13, 2023, at approximately 1:52 a.m., Santa Ana police responded to reports of a shooting victim in the 2700 block of North Bristol Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 29-year-old Jorge Velazquez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Despite prompt medical attention from the Orange County Fire Authority, Velazquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Santa Ana Police Department immediately launched an investigation, treating the incident as a gang-related homicide. Through extensive canvassing and interviews, detectives identified several individuals present during the shooting. On August 15, 2023, authorities arrested 31-year-old Garden Grove resident, Diana Tenorio, at her home, where a firearm was also recovered. The following day, August 16, 2023, 30-year-old Manuel Chairez, also from Garden Grove, was apprehended in Moreno Valley. During questioning, Chairez made incriminating statements regarding his involvement in the shooting.
Chairez, who has a prior conviction for attempted murder dating back to 2010, was formally charged with murder on August 18, 2023. At the time of Velazquez's shooting, Chairez was out on bail for a separate offense involving possession of a firearm by a felon. He now faces additional charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon and sentencing enhancements for discharging a firearm causing death and committing an offense while out on bail.
The investigation into Velazquez's death underscores the ongoing challenges posed by gang-related violence in Santa Ana. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Section or Orange County Crime Stoppers.
