The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that David Hoetzlein (DOB 06/04/97), of Camarillo, admitted in court today that he strangled and killed his mother, Tomoko Hoetzlein, in their Camarillo home in 2022. However, because of a severe mental disorder that prevented him from having the mental capacity required to be held criminally responsible at the time of the killing, Hoetzlein was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Hoetzlein admitted to second-degree murder of his mother. Two independent doctors evaluated Hoetzlein and each concluded he met the legal criteria for a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors did not object to those opinions based on Hoetzlein’s documented mental health history, the doctors’ reports, and input from Hoetzlein’s family.

“Tomoko Hoetzlein was a devoted mother who did everything in her power to get her son the mental health treatment he desperately needed,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Erin Meister. “Tragically, she lost her life while trying to help him.”

News Conference: Thursday August 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will hold a news conference Thursday, August 13, to announce the arrest and charges filed against Michael Douglas Brambles, a former LAPD detective and convicted rapist, accused of kidnapping for robbery of a Thousand Oaks business owner in 1994. The case was reopened thanks to continued testing as part of the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff and the victim, who will be identified publicly only by her initials, S.W., will speak at the news conference.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ramon Joseph Rivas (DOB 02/17/90), of Simi Valley, was sentenced to 51 years-to-life for the stabbing death of his girlfriend, Jessica Marie Tinoco. Rivas previously pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026, to second-degree murder and admitted all special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon, the crime involved great violence, the victim being particularly vulnerable, and strike priors.

Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The defendant’s willingness to take responsibility for his horrendous crime doesn’t excuse what he did to the victim and her family,” Mr. Barrick said.

VENTURA Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has issued a notice ordering The Colony Estate, an unpermitted wedding and event venue at 85 Crestview Avenue in Camarillo, to address ongoing public nuisance issues affecting the surrounding neighborhood. The notice was provided to the property owners, and is intended for any owners, operators, managers, occupants, lessees, or any other persons responsible for activities at the venue.