Full Notification

Modesto, CA – Homicide detectives continue to hunt for wanted murder suspect Samuel Esquibel. Police have learned Esquibel was aided in avoiding police capture once he was identified as a responsible in the homicide and detectives have arrested Esquibel’s brother-in-law for accessory to murder.

On Saturday August 14th, at about 7:23 p.m., Modesto Police officers received a call of a person down in the parking lot of Humphrey’s College, located at 3600 Sisk Road, in northwest Modesto. When officers arrived, they found 37-year-old Ernie Hernandez Jr. lying on the ground, suffering from fatal stab wounds.

Through investigation and tips received from the public, Homicide detectives identified Samuel Esequel Esquibel, a 30-year-old Modesto resident, as a responsible in the brutal and senseless killing of Hernandez.

Investigators have now learned Esquibel was aided after the homicide by Valentin Ojeda, an 18-year-old Tracy resident, who is Esquibel’s brother-in-law. Investigators say Ojeda assisted Esquibel in avoiding arrest just days after he had been identified as a responsible in the murder of Hernandez.

On Wednesday October 20th, Investigators arrested Ojeda and booked into Stanislaus County Jail. Ojeda was charged for being an accessory to the murder of Hernandez. On Friday October 22nd, Ojeda was arraigned for his charges and his bail was set at one million dollars.

Esquibel is still wanted and his whereabouts are unknown. Esquibel is a documented Norteno criminal street gang member and he is considered armed and dangerous.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident or information on the location of Esquibel to please call America’s Most Wanted at 1-800-CRIME-TV or submit a tip on their website at AMW.com. You may also call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. All calls will remain anonymous. Callers to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.