LAKE FOREST, Ca. (March 1, 2023) – At 1:50 a.m. on March 1, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 22000 block of Bellcroft Drive in Lake Forest for an unknown trouble call. When deputies arrived, they located a woman in her 70s with multiple stab wounds inside the residence. The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. A woman in her 30s and a man in his 70s, both residents of the home, were detained at the scene.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau responded to investigate. At this time, it is suspected that the woman in her 30s is responsible for the murder of the woman in her 70s, who is her mother. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time while the Orange County Coroner positively identifies her. The suspect, Courtney Baker, 32, of Lake Forest, has been booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of homicide. The man in his 70s was determined to be the informant and is not believed to be involved in the incident, at this time.
If anyone has additional details that may assist investigators, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Feb. 27, 2023): Orange County’s first Homeless Death Review Committee issued its inaugural report today, reviewing deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2021. The report’s findings show that deaths among people experiencing homelessness have risen substantially over the last decade, from 103 in 2012 to 395 in 2021, and that the leading cause of death is drug-related, with fentanyl as a factor in 144 of the deaths.
The Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department led the Homeless Death Review Committee, commissioned by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes in January 2022. The Committee includes broad representation of technical experts from county agencies, municipal police departments, hospitals, and non-profits. The Committee has met multiple times since March 2022 to explore the root causes of homeless deaths to determine what, if any, factors contributing to the deaths were preventable.
In addition to the increase in the total number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness, the Committee found that accidental deaths became the leading manner of death in 2020, surpassing natural deaths. Of the 235 accidental deaths, 76 percent were drug-related, with fentanyl as a factor in more than three-quarters of the drug-related deaths. The Committee also looked at the number of decedents with at least one experience in the Orange County Jail, finding that 309 of the 395 had at least one episode in custody within the last five years.
“The findings by the Homeless Death Review Committee are telling, and it’s clear that we have challenges ahead to reduce the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness,” said Sheriff Barnes. “The rise in the number of deaths of people experiencing homelessness is concerning. Most troubling is the significant increase we are seeing in fentanyl-related deaths.
“We continue to enhance efforts to address the fentanyl epidemic and provide critical resources to those trapped in addiction. It will be imperative that we also look at the clear correlation between incarceration of people experiencing homelessness and work to increase the number of people taking advantage of programs while they are in custody.
“In addition to drug-related death increases, the rates of suicide and homicide among individuals in this population are significantly higher than national averages. What this demonstrates is people experiencing homelessness are subject to higher rates of crime and suicide. Mental illness among people experiencing homelessness may be a contributing factor to suicides. During the Committee’s review of 2022 data, I will ask that they review and present recommendations on these two areas of concern.”
The Committee provided recommendations based on their findings. Chief among the recommendations is for legislation to be enacted to enable full sharing of data, allowing the committee to complete a case-by-case review of each death instead of relying on aggregate data. To rectify this barrier, Sheriff Barnes is sponsoring legislation authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, AB 271, which will permit data sharing among mortality review committees.
“Going forward the Homeless Death Review Committee will continue to meet and identify opportunities to reduce preventable deaths,” said Sheriff Barnes. “I appreciate the Committee’s commitment to the value of each life and know that their work will result in a positive difference.”
DANA POINT, Ca. (Feb. 21, 2023): Captain Todd Hylton has been selected as the new Chief of Dana Point Police Services. He will begin his new assignment Friday, Feb. 24.
“Having previously served the city of Dana Point, I look forward to returning in this new capacity and sharing my experience with the community,” Captain Hylton said. “I am humbled and honored to lead the dedicated team that works hard daily to create a safe place to visit and live.”
Captain Hylton joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2004 and worked as a deputy in Custody Operations and Patrol Operations. He first served in unincorporated North Orange County then the city of Yorba Linda, where he started the city’s first Explorer Division for youth interested in a career in law enforcement.
He was promoted to sergeant where he worked a variety of assignments, including Custody Operations and Court Operations, before being a field supervisor in the city of Dana Point. As a sergeant, he also worked in the Mutual Aid Bureau, Internal Affairs, and as the department’s Public Information Officer.
Captain Hylton promoted to Lieutenant in 2022 and was assigned to the Theo Lacy Jail as the Watch Commander. Most recently, he served as the jail’s Special Projects Lieutenant.
In addition, Captain Hylton has extensive specialized law enforcement training in Critical Incident Response, Mobile Field Force, and Incident Command Systems. He also is well-versed in special event management and crisis communications strategy and management.
He has a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of California, Berkeley and currently serves as an instructor at Rancho Santiago Community College.
Captain Kirsten Monteleone, Dana Point’s current Chief of Police Services, is being promoted to Commander of Southeast Operations, overseeing the cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, and the county’s south unincorporated areas. She also begins her new assignment Feb. 24.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (February 9, 2023): Today, Thursday, February 9, 2023, at about 6:30 a.m.,
the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was notified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department of a tragic traffic collision in the city of Lake Elsinore involving one of our own
deputies. Our deputy sustained traumatic injuries due to the single vehicle collision and was later
pronounced deceased at the scene.
Please refer to the following statements from the Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, and San
Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart for further information:
Statement from Sheriff Barnes:
“Our hearts break with the news of the death of our fallen brother, Deputy Brian Haney. On behalf
of the entire family at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, our thoughts and prayers are with
his family and friends in recognition and honor of Brian.
“Brian was hired by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on August 19, 2016. He served
courageously with us for six years. Brian performed his duties at the Theo Lacy Facility and San
Juan Capistrano Police Services, where he was a member of the Critical Incident Response Team
(CIRT). His brothers and sisters in our department described him as a quick learner, hard worker,
and team player. He was known for his infectious smile, humorous and timely wit, and love for his
peers.
“Most importantly, Brian was a beloved husband to his wife, Leslee, and new father to their one-
month-old son, Cole.
“Brian earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice. Brian also was a member of
the Air Force Reserve as a Senior Airman.
“Our focus will be on Brian’s loved ones who lost a husband, a father, a brother, and a son this
morning. We are also focused on our department family who are recovering from our loss of a
partner.”
Statement from Mayor Howard Hart:
“On behalf of both my family and the Council, I’m both shocked and deeply saddened to learn of
the loss of one of our finest, Deputy Brian Haney, this morning. I am especially devastated to
learn that he leaves behind a loving wife and a newborn baby to whom he was returning home
when this terrible accident occurred. I know my San Juan Capistrano neighbors will join me in
prayers of comfort and support for Deputy Haney’s family and loved ones.”
ALISO VIEJO, Ca. (Feb. 8, 2023): Captain Alan Villanueva has been selected as the new Chief of Aliso Viejo Police Services. He began his new assignment Friday, Jan. 27.
“I am honored to serve the city of Aliso Viejo and lead the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Department who work hard every day to keep the city safe,” Captain Villanueva said. “I look forward to bringing my experience and background to continue the tradition of excellence in public safety the Sheriff’s Department provides.”
Captain Villanueva joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and worked as a deputy in Custody Operations and Patrol Operations, serving the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and unincorporated South Orange County.
He was promoted to investigator where he worked a variety of assignments, including Financial Crimes, North Narcotics and the Technical Investigations Unit, where he worked narcotics operations, conducted threat assessments and provided dignitary protection.
As a sergeant, he served in Custody Operations before supervising the Technical Investigations Unit.
Captain Villanueva promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and was assigned to the Central Jails Complex as the Watch Commander. Most recently, he served as the Department Commander assigned to the Emergency Communications Bureau, overseeing the day-to-day patrol operations for the Sheriff’s Department.
In addition, Captain Villanueva has extensive specialized law enforcement training in narcotics, gangs, and human trafficking investigations, and in Incident Command System. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Loyola Marymount University and currently serves as an associate instructor at Rancho Santiago Community College.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Ca. (Feb. 21, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Feb. 24, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.
The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.
The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
DANA POINT, Ca. (Feb. 2, 2023): At 3:02 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway reference a traffic collision and an assault. Upon arrival, deputies found Michael John Mammone, 58, a cyclist, lying in the intersection suffering from severe injuries. Mammone was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Mammone was riding a bicycle facing northbound on PCH when he was struck from behind by the suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, from Long Beach, exited his vehicle and assaulted Mammone with a knife. When deputies arrived, Smith was being detained by bystanders and was taken into custody. He was later booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. A knife believed to be used in the assault was recovered at the scene.
At this time, there is no known connection between the suspect and the victim. Investigators will work to determine what led to this incident. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department's Homicide Detail. If you have any information related to this crime, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Stanton, Ca. (Jan. 16, 2022) – At 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to an apartment in the 10000 block of Bell Street in the city of Stanton reference a stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies found Serena Celeste Gallardo, (22) suffering from life-threatening injuries. Gallardo was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Two additional adult victims were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The victim’s boyfriend, Edgar Navarrete (22) from Stanton, was taken into custody and booked into the Orange County Jail. A weapon believed to be used was recovered at the scene. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail.
If you have any information related to this crime, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (Jan. 15, 2022) – At 5:21 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 26000 block of Calle San Luis in the city of San Juan Capistrano for unknown trouble. Upon arrival, deputies found a 30-year-old man who had been assaulted and sustained traumatic injuries. The man was identified as Jorge Marvin Guadarrama (30) years old from San Juan Capistrano. Guadarrama was pronounced deceased by the Orange County Fire Authority at the scene.
The suspect/s fled the location prior to deputies’ arrival. Deputies established a perimeter and searched, but a suspect was not located. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail.
If anyone has any specific details, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Jan. 12, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department today promoted 15 personnel, including two Assistant Sheriffs and four Commanders, in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy.
“The experience, dedication, and integrity of the leaders promoted today are among the best of what the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has to offer our community,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “They each bring a unique perspective and commitment to service that will benefit the department and the public we serve.”
Today’s promotions also included an investigator, four sergeants, and four lieutenants. All personnel will assume their new assignments on Friday, Jan. 13.
Assistant Sheriff John McCulloch – Patrol Operations Command
Assistant Sheriff McCulloch will lead patrol operations for the Sheriff’s Department’s 13 contract cities and unincorporated areas. He also will oversee public safety services for Harbor Patrol, the John Wayne Airport, and the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Assistant Sheriff McCulloch joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and in his tenure has served in the Custody, Patrol Operations, and Investigations commands.
A career steeped in investigative expertise, Assistant Sheriff McCulloch has held positions both as an investigator and supervisor in multiple assignments, including the Homicide Detail and the South Narcotics Detail.
In 2018, he was promoted to Captain and served as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and later as the Sheriff’s Executive Aide, developing and implementing special projects, conducting research, and providing recommendations on law enforcement best practices.
Most recently, Assistant Sheriff McCulloch served as Commander of the Investigations Division, overseeing 13 investigative details, including special and criminal investigations and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.
Assistant Sheriff McCulloch graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University where he double majored in history and political science.
Assistant Sheriff Cory Martino – Professional Services Command
Assistant Sheriff Martino will lead five divisions as part of the Professional Services Command, including Records, Professional Standards and Court Operations. He also will oversee the Orange County Regional Training Academy and the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, providing mentorship and training to current and future law enforcement officers and professional staff.
Assistant Sheriff Martino joined the department in 2000 and first served in Custody Operations then Patrol Operations, working in the city of San Juan Capistrano before joining the Training Division as a Tactical Officer.
In leadership roles, Assistant Sheriff Martino has worked in the Custody, Professional Services, and Patrol Operations commands. In his tenure as Captain, he served as the Academy Commander for the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy and as Chief of Police Services for the city of Yorba Linda, among other assignments.
Most recently, Assistant Sheriff Martino was assigned as the Commander of Southwest Operations, overseeing patrol operations for seven contract cities and south unincorporated areas, and multiple specialized teams including the School Resource Officer program, the Major Accident Reconstruction Team and the Behavioral Health Bureau.
Assistant Sheriff Martino has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Chapman University and a master’s degree in human resource management from Ashworth College. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class #284.
Commander Ash Abdelmuti – Professional Standards Division
Commander Abdelmuti joined the department in 1999 and has served in the Custody, Patrol, and Investigations and Special Operations commands.
Most recently, he was assigned as the Captain of the Criminal Investigations Bureau, managing the operations of more than a dozen teams, including the Homicide, Special Victims, Cyber Crimes, and the Crime Analysis details.
He will be assigned to the Professional Services Command, leading multiple teams including recruiting, employee relations, backgrounds and the Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit program.
Commander Asuncion joined the department in 2001 and has served in the Custody, Patrol Operations, and Professional Services commands.
Most recently, he was the Chief of Police Services for the city of Laguna Niguel, responsible for providing public safety services to more than 64,000 residents.
Commander Asuncion will be assigned to Southwest Operations, managing operations for seven contract cities, south unincorporated areas, and overseeing multiple specialized teams including the Regional Traffic Bureau and the Orange County Auto Theft Taskforce.
Commander Tony Benfield – Investigations Division
Commander Benfield joined the department in 1997 and has been assigned to the Custody, Patrol Operations, and Investigations and Special Operations commands.
He most recently served as Chief of Police Services, managing law enforcement services for the city of San Clemente.
Commander Benfield will be assigned to the Investigations Division, leading the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Special Investigations Bureau and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.
Commander Brent Jasper – Special Operations Division
Commander Jasper joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and has served in the Custody, Operations, Investigations and Special Operations, and Professional Services commands.
He most recently was assigned as the Captain of the Special Enforcement Bureau, overseeing multiple teams including the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the Hazardous Devices Squad (HDS), the K-9 team, and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT).
Commander Jasper will lead the Special Operations Division, which includes the SWAT team, HDS, Air Support Bureau, and Mutual Aid Bureau.
