Peter Morales, a 17-year-old resident of Oxnard, California, tragically lost his life on the night of September 14, 2019. Morales was shot and killed around 10:45 p.m. in his hometown. The incident left the community in shock and prompted an extensive investigation by the Oxnard Police Department. Morales succumbed to a gunshot wound to his chest, marking a devastating end to his young life.
The investigation into Morales' death was thorough and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Initially, the Oxnard Police Department worked tirelessly to gather evidence and identify those responsible for the crime. By December 18, 2019, they had gathered enough evidence to arrest the first suspect, Jose Manuel Dimas, a 21-year-old resident of Oxnard. Dimas was apprehended in Oregon and transported back to Ventura County, where he was charged with murder and special circumstances indicating that the killing was done for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Dimas pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.
The case did not end with Dimas' arrest. Investigators continued their efforts and identified a second suspect, Victor Andrew Aguiar, a 25-year-old resident of Oxnard. Aguiar was already in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail for an unrelated crime, including charges of attempted murder from an incident that occurred on September 3, 2019. On March 10, 2020, Aguiar was formally arrested and charged with first-degree murder with special allegations related to his involvement in a criminal street gang. He remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
The collaborative efforts of various units within the Oxnard Police Department, including the Violent Crimes Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Cyber Intel Unit, and the Ventura County Combined Agency Task Force, played a crucial role in advancing the investigation. Additionally, federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Office provided support. The City of Oxnard has offered a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for committing homicides within the city.
The arrests of Dimas and Aguiar marked significant milestones in the pursuit of justice for Peter Morales. The case highlights the challenges and complexities involved in solving gang-related crimes and underscores the importance of community cooperation and inter-agency collaboration in addressing violent crime. The legal proceedings against the suspects are ongoing, as the community continues to seek closure and justice for the young life lost.
