On March 29, 2023, at approximately 1:36 p.m., Santa Ana Police responded to reports of a shooting near Jetty Drive and Trask Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered 35-year-old Johnny Daniel Mercado suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Despite immediate medical assistance from both the officers and the Orange County Fire Authority, Mercado was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an extensive investigation, the Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Unit identified 22-year-old Santa Ana resident, Ruben Oswaldo Cielo, as a suspect in Mercado's death. On December 11, 2024, detectives arrested Cielo, who was subsequently charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for his involvement in the homicide. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
Authorities believe that additional suspects may be connected to this case and are actively seeking further information. The Santa Ana Police Department has urged anyone with relevant details to contact their Homicide Section or reach out anonymously to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. This case is eligible for the Gang Reward Program, which offers rewards for information leading to the arrest of gang-related homicide suspects.
