Deputy District Attorney Paul Hiepler, a graduate of Pepperdine Caruso Law and a now a member of our team.
Our team had a great time last weekend at the Conejo Valley Disabilities Fair hosted by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin in Thousand Oaks. This annual event is always a meaningful opportunity to connect ...with the community and share resources that support and uplift individuals and families.
Thank you to Jennifer Brammer, Safe Harbor Program Coordinator, and Christine Mitchell, Project Manager at the Family Justice Center East County, for representing our office and engaging with attendees throughout the day.
We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates inclusion, accessibility, and community connection.
Today, our office honored the life of DA Investigator John Sunia with a solemn procession from Los Angeles County to Garcia Mortuary in Oxnard.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our Ventura... County law enforcement partners who helped ensure a safe and dignified escort, and to the public for your patience and care on the roads.
Our thoughts remain with John’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. A service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in Oxnard.
**UPDATE**
The procession arrived at Garcia Mortuary at 11:38am.
**UPDATE**
ETA to Oxnard Blvd. - 11:30am
**UPDATE**
ETA to Ventura County Line - 11:02 a.m.
...Today (March 23, 2026), DA Investigator John Sunia’s body is being escorted from Los Angeles County to Garcia Mortuary, located at 629 S A St A in Oxnard.
Due to the nature of highway travel, arrival times may vary. The procession is anticipated to arrive in Oxnard at approximately 11:30 a.m.
We will be posting updates regarding the procession's location and Ventura County ETA here at the top of this post.
A procession honoring DA Investigator John Sunia will take place Monday morning, March 23, departing Los Angeles County and traveling to Garcia Mortuary, located at 629 S A St A in Oxnard.
...Due to the nature of highway travel, arrival times may vary. The procession is anticipated to arrive in Oxnard at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Real-time updates on the procession’s location and estimated arrival will be provided as it approaches Ventura County.
For the safety of all involved, those wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to do so from safe, designated locations and not join or follow the procession.
ROUTE (THROUGH VENTURA COUNTY):
101 North
Oxnard Blvd
6th Street
South A Street
We honor the life of DA Investigator John Sunia.
A service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in Oxnard, followed by a reception at 3:30 p.m. in ...Camarillo.
Investigator Sunia dedicated his life to serving others, and his impact will not be forgotten. We come together to remember, honor, and celebrate his life.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98), of Oxnard, has been convicted of two first-degree murder charges and other ...crimes. A jury found Fonseca guilty of killing Jose Estrada and Daniel Zuniga. Fonseca was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of being in possession of a firearm less than 10 years after a conviction. All special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the special circumstance of multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“Justice in this case took time, but the victims’ families never lost faith in the process,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller, who prosecuted the case. “They showed tremendous patience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss. We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention to the evidence and their service. Today’s verdict ensures the defendant will never again be a danger to society.”
Fonseca is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 26 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4uDn7mJ
With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of District Attorney Investigator John Sunia. John served the citizens of Oxnard as an Oxnard Police Officer from 2003 to 2023. While at ...the Oxnard Police Department, John worked as a Narcotics Detective and a Major Crimes Detective. He retired from OPD as a Patrol Sergeant. John was well known in Oxnard for his friendly demeanor, his teamwork, and his excellent investigative skills.
John was hired as an investigator by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office in 2023. Within the Bureau of Investigation, he was assigned to the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose Crimes Unit. His wealth of experience in criminal investigations, his great interpersonal skills, and his relationships with every law enforcement agency in Ventura County made this a perfect assignment. John was committed to reducing overdose deaths in Ventura County.
John was a hometown hero. He grew up in Oxnard and graduated from Channel Islands High School. John was a three-year starter in both baseball and football. The teamwork and camaraderie he demonstrated in sports carried over nicely in his career. John also obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Management.
John is survived by a loving family. Our hearts break for them. We will support them during these tough times while also being respectful of their privacy. Rest in peace John.
Great afternoon with the Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team (REFAT) Ventura County as they celebrated 21 years of collaboration and education.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined real ...estate professionals from across the county to share insight on real-world fraud cases and the importance of protecting public trust in the industry. Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum also presented on cases our office has seen here in Ventura County and the enforcement actions taken to hold offenders accountable.
Thank you to REFAT for bringing together professionals committed to preventing fraud and protecting our community.