A man was fatally shot at Santa Ana’s Riverview Park

On By art-pedroza

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A man was fatally shot at Santa Anas Riverview Park

March 29, 2025 — Police Detectives are conducting a homicide investigation regarding a 46-year-old man who was shot and killed, according to the SAPD.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Santa Ana Police Communications received a report of a shooting in the parking lot of Riverview Park, located at 1817 W. 21st Street.

Officers responded to the scene and found an unresponsive 46-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Orange County Fire Authority also responded and transported the man to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

At this time, the victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification. The motive behind the shooting is under investigation, and detectives are working to identify and locate witnesses who can provide information about the homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to call SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

In California, the penalty for fatally shooting a man depends on the specific circumstances and intent behind the act. Here are the main categories and their associated penalties:

  1. First-Degree Murder: This involves premeditated and deliberate intent to kill. It can also apply under the felony murder rule if the killing occurs during the commission of certain felonies (e.g., robbery). Penalties include 25 years to life in prison, life without parole, or even the death penalty in certain aggravated cases.
  2. Second-Degree Murder: This does not require premeditation but involves malice aforethought, such as acting with reckless disregard for human life. Penalties typically include 15 years to life in prison, with possible enhancements if a firearm was used or if the victim was a peace officer.
  3. Manslaughter: This is a less severe charge compared to murder and can be voluntary (killing in the heat of passion) or involuntary (unintentional killing due to reckless behavior). Penalties vary but are generally less severe than those for murder.

The specific sentence can also be influenced by factors like prior criminal history and any special circumstances surrounding the crime.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.