Matthew Juarez, 31, Stabbing—Costa Mesa, CA: A 15-year-old girl has died after a daylight stabbing on Shalimar Drive, prompting shock and grief across the Costa Mesa community. According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, officers responded to reports of an assault just after 12:30 p.m. on August 9.

They found the teenage victim critically injured from multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she died hours later.

Investigators believe the attack is linked to gang activity. By Saturday evening, authorities had identified Matthew Juarez, 31, as the primary suspect. Juarez was located and arrested in Anaheim without incident. Police have not yet released the victim’s name due to her age but expressed condolences to her family and friends, calling the crime “senseless and devastating.”

Matthew Juarez, 31, Stabbing – Costa Mesa,CA Man Arrested After Allegedly Killed a 15-year-old Girl

The Costa Mesa Police Department’s homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department’s tip line.