On March 27, 2023, at approximately 5:51 a.m., San Diego Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in a parking lot located in the 10900 block of San Diego Mission Road in the Grantville neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered 38-year-old Chula Vista resident Pedro King suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, King was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 6:32 a.m.
Initial investigations indicated that a light-colored vehicle was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the shooting. Through extensive efforts, including canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting evidence, homicide detectives identified 28-year-old Fernando Limon Mata of Stockton as a person of interest. It was also determined that Mata was operating a reported stolen vehicle at the time of the incident.
On March 29, 2023, around 8:15 p.m., Escondido Police Department detectives located the stolen vehicle near 1300 West Valley Parkway in Escondido. Mata and a female companion were arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. Subsequent investigations provided probable cause to charge Mata with the murder of Pedro King. While in custody at the San Diego County Jail, Mata was officially booked for one count of murder on April 3, 2023.
The San Diego Police Department acknowledged the assistance of the Escondido Police Department in apprehending Mata. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
