The SAPD arrested a 22-year-old suspected of murdering Johnny Daniel Mercado

On By art-pedroza

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(December 17, 2024)— Santa Ana Police detectives have arrested Ruben Oswaldo Cielo, a 22-year-old male suspect, for a fatal shooting that occurred on March 29, 2023.

On March 29, 2023, at 1:36 p.m., Santa Ana Police Communications received a report of a shooting victim in the area of Jetty Drive and Trask Avenue.

Johnny Daniel Mercado Picture Courtesy of the

Officers responded to the scene and located a 35-year-old male, identified as Johnny Daniel Mercado, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso.

Officers rendered medical aid until the arrival of Orange County Fire Authority who pronounced Mercado deceased at the scene.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Homicide Unit has been diligently investigating this case and has identified Ruben Oswaldo Cielo (22), of Santa Ana, as a suspect in the homicide.

On December 11, 2024, detectives arrested Cielo and booked him into the Santa Ana Jail. In concurrence with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, he was charged for his involvement in the homicide and remains in custody awaiting trial.

Detectives believe there are other suspects involved in this case and are seeking the public’s help. Anyone with information is asked to contact SAPD Homicide Section Detectives at (714) 245- 8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. This case is eligible for the Gang Reward Program.

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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.