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Derrick Richard Ohta

Case from Soquel, CA dated Oct 19, 1970

Victim Details

Derrick Richard Ohta

Male

Asian

Soquel

CA

1970-10-19

12

Derrick

Richard Ohta

07/11/2026

Case Description

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Derrick Richard Ohta, a 12-year-old boy from Soquel, California, tragically lost his life on October 19, 1970, in what became known as the Ohta family murders. Derrick, along with his family members, was found dead in the swimming pool of their home. The victims included Derrick's father, Dr. Victor Ohta, a prominent eye surgeon; his mother, Virginia Ohta; his younger brother, Taggart; and the family's secretary, Dorothy Cadwallader. All the victims had been shot, and their bodies were bound wit ...
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Links to Additional Sources (2)

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  • The Mercury News: Opinion: Fifty years ago, when a mass murder shocked Santa Cruz
  • https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/santa-cruz-kemper-mullin-frazier-murders-12841990.php

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    Forum Posts (3)

    I recently learned about the tragic Ohta family murders, and something that's been on my mind is the... ...Read More
    01/06/2025
    I've been reflecting on the community's response following the tragic Ohta family murders, and it re... ...Read More
    07/07/2024
    I came across this case a few weeks ago, and one detail that stands out to me is the tragic loss of ... ...Read More
    07/17/2023
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