Joseph Lopez was 31 when he was fatally shot on February 9, 2020, in Oxnard. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death multiple gunshot wounds. He was found near a parking stall in the 2900 block of Ocean Drive in the Hollywood Beach neighborhood and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities first identified him as an Oxnard resident, then determined he was from Port Hueneme.

Investigators concluded the shooting was gang-motivated. Lopez himself reportedly had no gang ties; suspects were believed to be members of an Oxnard criminal street gang and the motive stemmed from a verbal altercation. Lopez had been with a female companion during the incident. Witnesses gave statements and police released a still image of a silver four-door sedan, possibly a Toyota Corolla, that was nearby and left before officers arrived. All parties have been identified but no arrests have been announced and the investigation remains open.

If anyone witnessed the shooting, the vehicle, or has tips about the people involved, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.