On the evening of Friday, February 20, 2026, a burst of gunfire in Santa Ana killed 22-year-old Hispanic male David Nicholas Bravo Martinez. The shooting occurred about 8:57 p.m. while Martinez and a 20-year-old companion were driving near the 700 block of East Elder Avenue; authorities believe the attack was gang-related.

The wounded 20-year-old driver managed to get the vehicle to the 1200 block of East Borchard Avenue and called police. Officers found that companion with a gunshot wound to the upper torso; he was taken to a local hospital in stable condition and expected to survive. A second call about 9:01 p.m. brought officers back to East Elder Avenue, where Martinez was found in the roadway with a severe upper-torso gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives are investigating. No suspects or arrests have been announced; authorities have asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section or Orange County Crime Stoppers.

Did anyone in the area see the vehicle or the shooting that night?