Johnny Daniel Mercado was shot and killed on March 29, 2023, near Jetty Drive and Trask Avenue in Santa Ana. Officers arrived about 1:36 p.m. and found the 35-year-old suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso; despite immediate medical aid from police and the Orange County Fire Authority, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Santa Ana Police Homicide investigators later identified 22-year-old Ruben Oswaldo Cielo as a suspect. Detectives arrested Cielo on December 11, 2024, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed charges; he is being held pending trial. Authorities say additional suspects may be connected to the killing and are seeking more information.

Anyone with relevant details is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Homicide Section or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS; the case is eligible for the Gang Reward Program. Does anyone have information about activity near Jetty Drive and Trask Avenue that afternoon?