Police searched Thursday for two men wanted for opening fire at Santa Ana Cemetery, killing one man and wounding another during a gathering to honor the memory of a person who had died, police said.
The shooting occurred about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the cemetery at 1919 E. Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana Police Department Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
“Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering multiple gunshot wounds,” Bertagna said in a statement.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, he said. His name was withheld, pending notification of relatives.
“Officers located a second adult male, suffering a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, in a vehicle attempting to the leave the cemetery,” Bertagna said.
Paramedics took the man to a hospital for treatment, Bertagna said. His name was not released.
“Officers determined a large group, consisting of adults and children, assembled to honor the memory of a loved one on the anniversary of his death,” Bertagna said.
“At approximately 6:30 p.m., two unidentified male suspects approached the group and fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking the two men,” Bertagna said.
No description was released of the suspects.
“The motive for the attack is unknown at this time,” Bertagna said. “However, there is evidence to suggest a gang motivation.”
Bertagna said tipsters may be eligible for a reward under the SAPD Gang Homicide Rewards Program. Information on the program is available at www.santa-ana.org/pd/investigations-bureau/gang-homicide-and-felony-gang-assault-reward-program.
“I was getting ready to start a barbecue, heard some gunshots,” Gari Aldridge, who lives near the cemetery, told reporters. “Some gentlemen here in the cemetery, five or six males. One guy started shooting, ended up shooting one man. (I) saw him going to the ground.”
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call police at 714-245-8390; or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.