Full Notification

Detectives from the Chula Vista Police Department's Crimes of Violence Unit have identified a suspect in the April 23rd stabbing death of 44-year-old, Rene Macias Pressa.
18-year-old Joe Andrew Cortez, described as an Hispanic Male, 5'-5", 150 lbs, black hair and brown eyes, is wanted on a homicide arrest warrant for the stabbing death of Pressa for the incident that occurred at 45 Third Avenue, Chula Vista.
Based upon evidence and witness statements, COV Investigators learned that Pressa and Cortez were co-workers at a Chula Vista restaurant. Cortez, who resides in Mexico, stayed the night at Pressa's apartment on Third Ave. At some point an argument ensued and Cortez stabbed Pressa. Cortez then immediately fled the scene. It is believed he was injured in the confrontation and left the blood trail leaving the scene as he fled on foot. Cortez is believed to have walked a significant portion of the way to the border using surface streets from Chula Vista into San Ysidro between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:40 a.m. on Thursday morning, wearing a black tank top and tight shorts/boxers. He was barefoot and possibly bleeding.
COV with assistance from the US Marshal's Fugitive Apprehension Team coordinated with Mexican authorities to take the U.S. Citizen into custody, however Cortez fled his Tijuana home before authorities arrived.
Anyone with information regarding the homicide, Cortez's current whereabouts, or anyone who may have contacted Cortez while he walked home the night of the murder, are asked to call the Chula Vista Police Department's COV Division, Detective Anthony Molina at (619) 691-5178. If you wish to remain anonymous you mall also call Chula Vista's Help-Us-Solve-A-Crime tip line at (619) 422-TIPS, or visit the City website; http://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police-department. You may also contact Crimestoppers; http://sdcrimestoppers.org/