Ventura County man charged with murdering ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend

A Ventura County man was charged with allegedly killing the man who was dating his ex-girlfriend.

Gonzalo Garcia Rodriguez, 24, of Salinas, is accused of murdering Eugenio Lopez Ramirez, 26, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

On the night of Feb. 23, the suspect reportedly stabbed Ramirez multiple times before fleeing the scene. Police responded to the 100 block of Wilson Avenue in Oxnard where Ramirez was found with several stab wounds.

Investigators believed Ramirez was attacked elsewhere before he collapsed near Wilson Avenue and First Street, the Ventura County Star reports. 

He was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Following a two-week investigation, detectives identified Garcia Rodriguez as the primary suspect. They also discovered he had formerly dated the victim’s girlfriend. 

The circumstances leading up to the deadly attack were not released. At the time of his arrest, he was already in custody for a separate domestic violence case, the DA’s office said.

On March 13, prosecutors announced Garcia Rodriguez was charged with first-degree murder.

He also faces special allegations and aggravating circumstances including the use of a deadly weapon, causing great bodily injury, and that the victim was vulnerable.

He pled not guilty to all charges at Thursday’s arraignment. He remains in custody without bail. He is scheduled to return to court for an early disposition conference on April 21.