By SDCN Staff
Chula Vista, CA–San Diego Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in a Chula Vista house party murder investigation.
On Saturday, around 12:46 a.m., the Chula Vista Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a female saying someone had been stabbed and that her friend was dying.
Dispatchers used GPS location information to determine the caller was at a house in the 900 block of Rigley Street in Chula Vista. Officers responded immediately while dispatchers continued to receive additional related calls. Callers reported seeing several people at the house as well as many fleeing the area and multiple people injured, Public Information Officer Sergeant Anthony Molina stated in a news release.
Officers arrived at the house within four minutes of the first call and came upon what appeared to have been a house party. They found a 17-year-old male in the house, with at least one stab wound in the torso. Officers took over lifesaving measures until fire department paramedics arrived. Crews continued life-saving measures in the home, but the victim was pronounced dead at 1:33 p.m.
In addition to the teen victim, officers found an unconscious 17-year-old male in front of the house with serious injuries to his face and upper body. Witnesses reported he had been assaulted by several people during a fight. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is currently listed as being in stable condition.
Officers also found another 17-year-old male about two blocks away at E. Palomar Street and Medical Center Court who had a stab wound to his torso. He was conscious but uncooperative with officers. It was determined he was related to the same incident. The teen was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is currently listed as being in stable condition.
Investigators said several of the callers and bystanders provided only limited information to dispatchers and responding officers. Many witnesses were uncooperative. However, officers learned there had been a large party at the residence with upwards of 60 people in attendance. Most are believed to have been older teens and young adults who possibly learned of the party on social media platforms. At some point during the party, a large fight began which involved multiple partygoers. During the fight, the 17-year-old victim was stabbed outside and taken into the house by others who tried to save him.
The homeowner is believed to have been present during the party and remained on the scene to cooperate with officials. Police believe there are several witnesses with pertinent information who fled the scene prior to officers arriving and that there is likely cellphone video or photos that can assist with the investigation.
Investigators are seeking witnesses for their help to identify the suspects in the incident as well as provide any information that could be useful in the investigation.
The families of the victims have all been notified of their status. Their names are being withheld due to their ages and the active investigation.
Witnesses are asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit a tip through P3tips (online or mobile application) http://p3tips.com/409 if they wish to remain anonymous. They can utilize this method to alert detectives if they have video or any kind of evidence to provide this method to alert detectives if they have video or any kind of evidence to provide.
