Maurilio De La Cruz, a 37-year-old resident of Lompoc, California, tragically lost his life on February 19, 2022. Born on June 18, 1984, to Juan and Estella De La Cruz of Santa Ynez, Maurilio was known for his big heart, love for family, and joy in life. He was a beloved partner to Letty and a devoted father to five children: Adrian, Isaiah, Hazy, Angel, and Alexica.
His life was filled with laughter, music, and cherished moments with his family, making his untimely death a profound loss to those who knew him.
On the night of February 19, 2022, Maurilio was shot multiple times in the 1000 block of North H Street in Lompoc. Despite the immediate medical attention he received, he succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a local trauma center. The Lompoc Police Department responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into the homicide. The initial investigation did not identify any suspects, but the case remained active as detectives worked to uncover leads.
The investigation eventually led to the identification of 18-year-old Jorge Tafoya Jr. as a primary suspect in the murder of Maurilio De La Cruz. On March 30, 2022, a warrant was issued for Tafoya's arrest, and he was subsequently taken into custody at his residence on West Pine Avenue in Lompoc. Tafoya was booked on suspicion of homicide and held without bail. The arrest marked a significant development in the case, bringing some measure of justice to Maurilio's grieving family and community.
Further developments in the case included the arrest of a second suspect, indicating that the investigation was thorough and ongoing. The Lompoc Police Department continued to gather evidence and build a case against those responsible for Maurilio's death. The community's response, including a GoFundMe campaign to support Maurilio's family with funeral expenses, highlighted the impact of his loss and the collective desire for justice.
Maurilio De La Cruz's death was a tragic event that underscored the senselessness of violence and the profound impact it has on families and communities. The ongoing legal proceedings and investigations aimed to ensure that those responsible were held accountable, providing some solace to those who mourned his passing.
