S. P. Police seek public input after stabbing victim left outside ER dies
August 01, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Santa Paula Police are investigating the stabbing death of a 34-year-old resident who was dropped off at the Emergency Room door of a local hospital late Saturday before his companion(s) sped away.
According to Interim Police Chief Ishmael Cordero, SPPD officers responded to Santa Paula Hospital at 11:43 p.m. on July 28 to the report of a stabbing victim. Upon arrival they found an unconscious man - later identified as Lupe Jose Fernandez of Santa Paula - had been dropped off at the front door of the ER.
“The subject was suffering from a serious stab wound to the upper torso,” and Cordero said hospital medical staff stabilized Fernandez before he was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. Fernandez died at about 2:19 a.m. at VCMC.
Cordero said Fernandez had no identification at the time he was left at the door to the Emergency Room. “The unknown persons that dropped him off left the area immediately, offering no information about the suspect or where the crime had occurred.”
SPPD detectives responded and immediately launched an investigation that soon turned out to be a homicide. “During the initial investigation detectives learned of the identity of the victim,” and now they are asking the public to help them find out the circumstances of the stabbing and suspect(s) involved in Fernandez’s death.
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday to determine the exact cause of Fernandez’s death. SPPD Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to call Det. Ken Clark, 805-525-4474 ext. 277.
If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#. Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
