A shocking murder case from Southern California has left a family devastated after a mother of three was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend outside her workplace. Police say the accused fled to Mexico after the crime but was arrested when he tried to return to the United States.
California Woman Shot Dead Outside Workplace
According to police, 42-year-old Sandra Fernandez was killed on Thursday evening in Tustin, a city near Anaheim in Southern California. Officers reached the scene around 6 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting near Yorba Street and Medford Avenue.
When police arrived, they found Fernandez lying on the curb with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders tried to help her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told investigators they saw a man dressed in black running away before driving off in an older dark-coloured sedan.
Ex-Boyfriend Arrested in Murder Case
Authorities later identified 47-year-old Juan Marquez as the main suspect in the case. Investigators believe he waited near Fernandez’s workplace before attacking her as she walked toward her car after work.
Police said Marquez crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through the San Ysidro Port of Entry shortly after the shooting. An arrest warrant was issued on Saturday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers later arrested him when he returned to the United States. He is currently being held in Orange County Jail without bond and faces a murder charge.
Victim Was Starting a New Job
Local reports said Sandra Fernandez had recently started a new job and was leaving a training session when the shooting happened.
Her co-worker, Cassie Rossel, described her as a positive person who had already built strong relationships with colleagues despite working there for less than a month.
The sudden loss has deeply affected her workplace and community.
Family Left Heartbroken
Fernandez was a mother of three children, including a college-going adult son and two younger children aged 5 and 14.
Her family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses. In the fundraiser message, relatives shared their pain and said no family deserves to experience such a tragic loss.
The case has also raised concerns about relationship violence and the dangers some victims face even after relationships end.
Police Yet to Reveal Motive
Authorities have not officially revealed the exact motive behind the shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
As of now, no future court date has been announced for Marquez.
This heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted the importance of safety, mental health support, and stronger awareness around domestic violence situations. Friends, co-workers, and family members continue to mourn the loss of Sandra Fernandez while hoping for justice in the case.
